Jews say there are 613 commandments. Here is a good list:
I think it's worth an evening to read them all, and to see how this website has them classified.
Of course, there are more than 613 commandments in the Bible, especially the Christian Bible. Bill Gothard lists 49 commands of Christ, though there are more than that:
And students of Rushdoony know that the entire Bible is the "Law-Word" of God, and every verse in the Bible is, in some sense, "law" for us
Looked at in this way, there are at least 30,000 commandments in the Bible.
Nevertheless, I thought it might be interesting to see how many commandments there are according to the Westminster Larger Catechism, which has a thorough exposition of the Ten Commandments. The Catechism divides each one of the Ten Commandments into "duties required" and "sins forbidden." For each commandment, the Catechism asks, what are the duties required in this commandment? What are the sins prohibited by this commandment? In this way, the Ten Commandments are broken down into at least 400 separate commandments.
Years ago I created a "Recovery Workbook" which paralleled the "12 Steps" of Alcoholics Anonymous using Biblical content. This included a "Moral Inventory" (A.A. terminology) using the Larger Catechism.
I haven't finished converting the workbook into HTML. I included a couple of commandments on my campaign website:
If you look at those examples, you can see that one or more commands can be inferred from each proof-text for each duty or sin set forth by the Westminster Assembly. Since each duty/sin has anywhere from 1 to 6 prooft-texts, we could easily multiply the number of commands in the list below by an average of 3.
Still, the basic framework of the Catechism is in seen in those two links above, and it can be used to see how many commandments there really are.
For example, in the very first proof-text in the First Commandment we are told that one of the duties of the First Commandment is:
The first prooftext, 1 Chronicles 28:9, says "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.the knowing and acknowledging of God to be the only true God, and our God; 1 Chron. 28:9; Deut. 26:7; Isa. 43:10; Jer. 14:22
There's three separate commands: "Serve," Seek," and do not "forsake." We could ask these questions, which imply duties:
• Have I served God with a loyal heart and a willing mind?It is a duty to "seek Him," and a sin to "forsake Him."
Commandment Number 39 on the list below says,
You can logically divide this into these commands:
So there are many more "commands" than are numbered below.
So what I did to create this list was, first, I imported all ten commandments from my recovery workbook into this page, which begins below.
Then I stripped the verses out and numbered the commandments, which begins here.
When comparing the Christian list of commandments with the Jewish list, a notable insight emerges. The Christian commandments lead to "civilization," whereas the Jewish commandments lead to a ghetto. That's a point that opens a door to understanding the life of the human race on this planet.
Many of the 613 Jewish commandments are part of what Christians call "the ceremonial law." Christians are still obligated to have their sins atoned for by the blood of the lamb, but Christians believe Jesus is "the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). I suspect there must be some degree of cognitive dissonance when on the one had we have these commandments of God that need to be obeyed, but on the other hand we have no temple in which to obey them. All of the Christian commands are "obeyable." Remember also that in Judaism, the commandments in the "Old Testament" are supplemented by Rabbinic laws in the Talmud. In many ways, the Talmud is more where the heart of Judaism lives than just the Bible.
Again, the numbered commandments begin here.
The Westminster Larger Catechism (1648) explains our duties under the First Commandment.
First, you must agree that the Catechism has correctly explained the implications of the Commandment. Assuming it has, you must agree with God that you are obligated to carry out those principles in your life. This page is a checklist for you to discern your agreement.
Second, you must ask yourself if you have violated each aspect of the command.
Third, you must take steps to develop the Character of Christ, and eliminate "character defects" from your life.
If you do not understand the Scripture proof-text after reading the pages above, write to me.
2. If you understand the Scripture text, but do not agree that the duty spelled out is in fact commanded to God, explain to me why not. I'm open-minded. In fact, you will find several places where I have already indicated my disagreement with the Catechism. On the whole, however, I think the Catechism is amazing in its accuracy.
3. If you can think of other duties which might be meaningful in the lives of others, please send them to me so I can include them here as well.
Question 103: Which is the first commandment?
Answer: The first commandment is, Thou shall have no other gods before me.
Question 104: What are the duties required in the first commandment?
Answer: The duties required in the first commandment are, the knowing and acknowledging of God to be the only true God, and our God; and to worship and glorify him accordingly, by thinking, meditating, remembering, highly esteeming, honoring, adoring, choosing, loving, desiring, fearing of him; believing him; trusting, hoping, delighting, rejoicing in Him; being zealous for Him; calling upon him, giving all praise and thanks, and yielding all obedience and submission to him with the whole man; being careful in all things to please him, and sorrowful when in anything He is offended; and walking humbly with him.
Question 105: What are the sins
forbidden in the first commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the first commandment are, atheism, in denying or not having a God; idolatry, in having or worshiping more gods than one, or any with or instead of the true God; the not having and avouching him for God, and our God; the omission or neglect of anything due to him, required in this commandment; ignorance, forgetfulness, misapprehensions, false opinions, unworthy and wicked thoughts of him; bold and curious searching into His secrets; all profaneness, hatred of God; self-love, self-seeking, and all other inordinate and immoderate setting of our mind, will, or affections upon other things, and taking them off from him in whole or in
part; vain credulity, unbelief, heresy, misbelief, distrust, despair, incorrigibleness, and insensibleness under judgments, hardness of heart, pride, presumption, carnal security, tempting of God; using unlawful means, and trusting in lawful means; carnal delights and joys; corrupt, blind, and indiscreet zeal; lukewarmness, and deadness in the things of God; estranging ourselves, and apostatizing from God; praying, or giving any religious worship, to saints, angels, or any other creatures; all compacts and consulting with the devil, and hearkening to his suggestions; making men the lords of our faith and conscience; slighting and despising God and His commands; resisting
and grieving of His Spirit, discontent and impatience at His dispensations, charging him foolishly for the evils He inflicts on us; and ascribing the praise of any good we either are, have, or can do, to fortune, idols, ourselves, or any other creature.
Question 106: What are we specially taught by these words [before me] in the first commandment?
Answer: These words [before me], or before my face, in the first commandment, teach us, that God, who sees all things, takes special notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God: that so it may be an argument to dissuade from it, and to aggravate it as a most impudent provocation: as also to persuade us to do as in His sight, whatever we do in His service.
Q. 103. Which is the first commandment?
A. The first commandment is, Thou shall have no other gods before me. Exod. 20:3
Q. 104. What are the duties required in the first commandment?
A. A duty required in the first commandment is, the knowing and acknowledging of God to be the only true God, and our God; 1 Chron. 28:9; Deut. 26:7; Isa. 43:10; Jer. 14:22
| 1 Chronicles 28:9 "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. | |
| Deuteronomy 26:17 "Today you have proclaimed the LORD to be your God, and that you will walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments, and His judgments, and that you will obey His voice. | |
| Isaiah 43:10 "You are My witnesses," says the LORD, "And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me. | |
| Jeremiah 14:22 Are there any among the idols of the nations that can cause rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are You not He, O LORD our God? Therefore we will wait for You, Since You have made all these. | Do I trust God for all my needs, knowing that the United Nations is not God, and "nature" is not God, that only the LORD is God? |
A duty required in the first commandment is, to worship and glorify him accordingly,
Ps. 95:6-7; Matt. 4:10; Ps. 29:2
| Psalm 95:6-7 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. {7} For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice:. | |
| Matthew 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.'" | |
| Psalm 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness |
A duty required in the first commandment is, to worship and glorify him accordingly by thinking, Mal. 3:16
| Malachi 3:16 Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name. |
A duty required in the first commandment is, to worship and glorify him accordingly by meditating, Ps. 63:6
| Psalm 63:6 When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. |
A duty required in the first commandment is, to worship and glorify him accordingly by remembering, Ecclesiastes 12:1
| Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them": |
A duty required in the first commandment is, to worship and glorify him accordingly by highly esteeming, Ps. 71:19
| Psalm 71:19 Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You? |
A duty required in the first commandment is, to worship and glorify him accordingly by honouring, Malachi 1:6
| Malachi 1:6 "A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the LORD of hosts To you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, 'In what way have we despised Your name?' |
A duty required in the first commandment is, to worship and glorify him accordingly by adoring, Isa. 45:23
| Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath. |
A duty required in the first commandment is, to worship and glorify him accordingly by choosing, Josh. 24:15, 22
| Joshua 24:15 "And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:22 So Joshua said to the people, "You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD for yourselves, to serve Him." And they said, "We are witnesses!" |
A duty required in the first commandment is, to worship and glorify him accordingly by loving, Deut. 6:5
| Deuteronomy 6:5 "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. |
A duty required in the first commandment is, to worship and glorify him accordingly by desiring, Ps. 73:25
| Psalm 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. |
A duty required in the first commandment is, to worship and glorify him accordingly by fearing of Him; Isa. 8:13
| Isaiah 8:13 The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Let Him be your fear, And let Him be your dread. |
A duty required in the first commandment is, believing Him; Exod. 14:31
| Exodus 14:31 Thus Israel saw the great work which the LORD had done in Egypt; so the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD and His servant Moses. |
A duty required in the first commandment is, trusting in Him Isa. 26:4
| Isaiah 26:4 Trust in the LORD forever, For in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength. |
A duty required in the first commandment is, hoping in Him, Ps. 130:7
| Psalm 130:7 O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption. |
A duty required in the first commandment is, delighting in Him, Ps. 37:4
| Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. |
A duty required in the first commandment is, rejoicing in Him; Ps. 32:11
| Psalm 32:11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart! |
A duty required in the first commandment is, being zealous for him; Rom. 12:11; Num. 25:11
| Romans 12:11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; | |
| Numbers 25:11 "Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned back My wrath from the children of Israel, because he was zealous with My zeal among them, so that I did not consume the children of Israel in My zeal. |
A duty required in the first commandment is, calling upon him, giving all praise and thanks, Phil. 4:6
| Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; |
A duty required in the first commandment is, yielding all obedience and submission to him with the whole man; Jer. 7:23; James 4:7
| Jeremiah 7:23 "But this is what I commanded them, saying, 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.' | |
| James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. |
A duty required in the first commandment is, being careful in all things to please him, 1 John 3:22
| 1 John 3:22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. |
A duty required in the first commandment is, being ... sorrowful when in any thing He is offended; Jer. 31:18; Ps. 119:136
| Jeremiah 31:18 "I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself: 'You have chastised me, and I was chastised, Like an untrained bull; Restore me, and I will return, For You are the LORD my God. | |
| Psalm 119:136 Rivers of water run down from my eyes, Because men do not keep Your law. |
A duty required in the first commandment is, walking humbly with him. Micah 6:8
| Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? |
Q. 105. What are the sins forbidden in the first commandment?
A. A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, atheism, in denying or not having a God; Ps. 14:1; Eph. 2:12
| Psalm 14:1 The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good. | |
| Ephesians 2:12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, idolatry, in having or worshipping more gods than one, or any with or instead of the true God; Jer. 2:27-28; 1 Thess.1:9
| Jeremiah 2:27-28 Saying to a tree, 'You are my father,' And to a stone, 'You gave birth to me.' For they have turned their back to Me, and not their face. But in the time of their trouble They will say, 'Arise and save us.' {28} But where are your gods that you have made for yourselves? Let them arise, If they can save you in the time of your trouble; For according to the number of your cities Are your gods, O Judah. | |
| 1 Thessalonians 1:9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, the not having and avouching him for God, and our God; Ps. 81:11
| Psalm 81:11 "But My people would not heed My voice, And Israel would have none of Me. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, the omission or neglect of anything due to him, required in this commandment; Isa. 43:22-24
| Isaiah 43:22-24 "But you have not called upon Me, O Jacob; And you have been weary of Me, O Israel. {23} You have not brought Me the sheep for your burnt offerings, Nor have you honored Me with your sacrifices. I have not caused you to serve with grain offerings, Nor wearied you with incense. {24} You have bought Me no sweet cane with money, Nor have you satisfied Me with the fat of your sacrifices; But you have burdened Me with your sins, You have wearied Me with your iniquities. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, ignorance, Jer. 4:22; Hos. 4:1, 6
| Jeremiah 4:22 "For My people are foolish, They have not known Me. They are silly children, And they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, But to do good they have no knowledge." | |
| Hosea 4:1 Hear the word of the LORD, You children of Israel, For the LORD brings a charge against the inhabitants of the land: "There is no truth or mercy Or knowledge of God in the land. {6} My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, forgetfulness, Jer. 2:32
| Jeremiah 2:32 Can a virgin forget her ornaments, Or a bride her attire? Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, misapprehensions, Acts 17:23, 29
| Acts 17:23 "for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: Acts 17:29 "Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, false opinions, Isa. 40:18
| Isaiah 40:18 To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to Him? |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, unworthy and wicked thoughts of him; Ps. 50:21
| Psalm 50:21 These things you have done, and I kept silent; You thought that I was altogether like you; But I will rebuke you, And set them in order before your eyes. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, bold and curious searching into His secrets; Deut. 29:29
| Deuteronomy 29:29 "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, all profaneness, Tit. 1:16; Heb. 12:16
| Titus 1:16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. | |
| Hebrews 12:16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, hatred of God; Rom. 1:30
| Romans 1:30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, self-love, 2 Tim. 3:2
| 2 Timothy 3:2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, self-seeking, Phil. 2:21
| Philippians 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, all other inordinate and immoderate setting of our mind, will, or affections upon other things, and taking them off from him in whole or in part; 1 John 2:15-16; 1 Sam. 2:29; Col. 2:2, 5
| 1 Samuel 2:29 'Why do you kick at My sacrifice and My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel My people?' | |
| Colossians 2:2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, {5} For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. | |
| 1 John 2:15-16 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. {16} For all that is in the world; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life; is not of the Father but is of the world. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, vain credulity, 1 John 4:1
| 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, unbelief, Heb. 3:12
| Hebrews 3:12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, heresy, Gal. 5:20; Tit. 3:10
| Galatians 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, | |
| Titus 3:10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, misbelief, Acts 26:9
| Acts 26:9 "Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, distrust, Ps. 78:22
| Psalm 78:22 Because they did not believe in God, And did not trust in His salvation. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, despair, Gen. 4:13
| Genesis 4:13 And Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is greater than I can bear! |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, incorrigibleness, Jer. 5:3
| Jeremiah 5:3 O LORD, are not Your eyes on the truth? You have stricken them, But they have not grieved; You have consumed them, But they have refused to receive correction. They have made their faces harder than rock; They have refused to return. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, and insensibleness under judgments, Isa. 42:25
| Isaiah 42:25 Therefore He has poured on him the fury of His anger And the strength of battle; It has set him on fire all around, Yet he did not know; And it burned him, Yet he did not take it to heart. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, hardness of heart, Rom. 2:5
| Romans 2:5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, pride, Jer. 13:15
| Jeremiah 13:15 Hear and give ear: Do not be proud, For the LORD has spoken. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, presumption, Ps. 10:13
| Psalm 10:13 Why do the wicked renounce God? He has said in his heart, "You will not require an account." |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, carnal security, Zeph. 1:12
| Zephaniah 1:12 "And it shall come to pass at that time That I will search Jerusalem with lamps, And punish the men Who are settled in complacency, Who say in their heart, 'The LORD will not do good, Nor will He do evil.' |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, tempting of God; Matt. 4:7
| Matthew 4:7 Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.'" |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, using unlawful means, Rom. 3:8
| Romans 3:8 And why not say, "Let us do evil that good may come"?; as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, and trusting in lawful means; Jer. 17:5
| Jeremiah 17:5 Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the LORD. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, carnal delights and joys; 2 Tim. 3:4
| 2 Timothy 3:4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, corrupt, blind, and indiscreet zeal; Gal. 4:17; John 16:2; Rom. 10:2; Luke 9:54-55
| Galatians 4:17 They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. | |
| John 16:2 "They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. | |
| Romans 10:2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. | |
| Luke 9:54-55 And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?" {55} But He turned and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, lukewarmness, Rev. 3:16
| Revelation 3:16 "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, and deadness in the things of God; Rev. 3:1
| Revelation 3:1 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, estranging ourselves, and apostatizing from God; Ezek. 14:5; Isa. 1:4-5
| Isaiah 1:4-5 Alas, sinful nation, A people laden with iniquity, A brood of evildoers, Children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the LORD, They have provoked to anger The Holy One of Israel, They have turned away backward. {5} Why should you be stricken again? You will revolt more and more. The whole head is sick, And the whole heart faints. | |
| Ezekiel 14:5 "that I may seize the house of Israel by their heart, because they are all estranged from Me by their idols."' |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, praying, or giving any religious worship, to saints, angels, or any other creatures; Rom. 10:13-14; Hosea 4:12; Acts 10:25-26; Rev. 19:10; Matt. 4:10; Col. 2:18; Rom. 1:25
| Romans 10:13-14 For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." {14} How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? | |
| Hosea 4:12 My people ask counsel from their wooden idols, And their staff informs them. For the spirit of harlotry has caused them to stray, And they have played the harlot against their God. | |
| Acts 10:25-26 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. {26} But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up; I myself am also a man." | |
| Revelation 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." | |
| Matthew 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.'" | |
| Colossians 2:18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, | |
| Romans 1:25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, all compacts and consulting with the devil, Lev. 20:6; 1 Sam. 28:7, 11; 1 Chron. 10:13-14
| Leviticus 20:6 'And the person who turns to mediums and familiar spirits, to prostitute himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from his people. | |
| 1 Samuel 28:7 Then Saul said to his servants, "Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her." And his servants said to him, "In fact, there is a woman who is a medium at En Dor." {11} Then the woman said, "Whom shall I bring up for you?" And he said, "Bring up Samuel for me." | |
| 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD, and also because he consulted a medium for guidance. {14} But he did not inquire of the LORD; therefore He killed him, and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, and hearkening to the devil's suggestions; Acts 5:3
| Acts 5:3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, making men the lords of our faith and conscience; 2 Cor. 1:24; Matt. 23:9
| 2 Corinthians 1:24 Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand. | |
| Matthew 23:9 "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, slighting and despising God and His commands; Deut. 32:15; 2 Sam. 12:9; Prov. 13:13
| Deuteronomy 32:15 "But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; You grew fat, you grew thick, You are obese! Then he forsook God who made him, And scornfully esteemed the Rock of his salvation. | |
| 2 Samuel 12:9 'Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in His sight? You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon. | |
| Proverbs 13:13 He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, resisting and grieving of His Spirit, Acts 7:51; Eph. 4:30
| Acts 7:51 "You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. | |
| Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, discontent and impatience at His dispensations, charging him foolishly for the evils He inflicts on us; Ps. 73:2-3, 13-15, 22; Job 1:22
| Psalm 73:2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. {3} For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. {13} Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, And washed my hands in innocence. {14} For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning. {15} If I had said, "I will speak thus," Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. {22} I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. | |
| Job 1:22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong. |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, and ascribing the praise of any good we either are, have or can do, to fortune, 1 Sam. 6:7-9
| 1 Samuel 6:7-9 "Now therefore, make a new cart, take two milk cows which have never been yoked, and hitch the cows to the cart; and take their calves home, away from them. {8} "Then take the ark of the LORD and set it on the cart; and put the articles of gold which you are returning to Him as a trespass offering in a chest by its side. Then send it away, and let it go. {9} "And watch: if it goes up the road to its own territory, to Beth Shemesh, then He has done us this great evil. But if not, then we shall know that it is not His hand that struck us; it happened to us by chance." |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, ascribing the praise of any good we either are, have or can do, to idols, Dan. 5:23
| Daniel 5:23 "And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, ascribing the praise of any good we either are, have or can do, to ourselves, Deut. 8:17; Dan. 4:30
| Deuteronomy 8:17 "then you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.' | |
| Daniel 4:30 The king spoke, saying, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?" |
A sin forbidden in the first commandment is, ascribing the praise of any good we either are, have or can do, to any other creature. Hab. 1:16
| Habakkuk 1:16 Therefore they sacrifice to their net, And burn incense to their dragnet; Because by them their share is sumptuous And their food plentiful. |
Q. 106. What are we specially taught by these words before me in the first commandment?
A. These words before me or before my face, in the first commandment, teach us, that God, who seeth all things, taketh special notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God: that so it may be an argument to dissuade from it, and to aggravate it as a most impudent provocation: Ezek. 8:5-6; Ps. 44:20-21
| Ezekiel 8:5-6 Then He said to me, "Son of man, lift your eyes now toward the north." So I lifted my eyes toward the north, and there, north of the altar gate, was this image of jealousy in the entrance. {6} Furthermore He said to me, "Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations that the house of Israel commits here, to make Me go far away from My sanctuary? Now turn again, you will see greater abominations." | |
| Psalm 44:20-21 If we had forgotten the name of our God, Or stretched out our hands to a foreign god, {21} Would not God search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart. |
These words before Me or before My face, in the first commandment, teach us, that God, who seeth all things, taketh special notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God: as to persuade us to do as in His sight, whatever we do in His service. 1 Chron. 28:9
| 1 Chronicles 28:9 "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. |
The Westminster Larger Catechism (1648) explains our duties under the Second Commandment.
First, you must agree that the Catechism has correctly explained the implications of the Commandment. Assuming it has, you must agree with God that you are obligated to carry out those principles in your life. This page is a checklist for you to discern your agreement.
Second you must ask yourself if you have violated each aspect of the command.
Third, you must take steps to develop the Character of Christ, and eliminate "character defects" from your life.
For each item below, do the following:
If you do not understand the Scripture proof-text after reading the pages above, write to me.
2. If you understand the Scripture text, but do not agree that the duty spelled out is in fact commanded to God, explain to me why not. I'm open-minded. In fact, you will find several places where I have already indicated my disagreement with the Catechism. On the whole, however, I think the Catechism is amazing in its accuracy.
3. If you can think of other duties which might be meaningful in the lives of others, please send them to me so I can include them here as well.
Question 107: Which is the second commandment?
Answer: The second commandment is, Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Question 108: What are the duties required in the second commandment?
Answer: The duties required in the second commandment are, the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God has instituted in his Word; particularly prayer and thanksgiving in the name of Christ; the reading, preaching, and hearing of the Word; the administration and receiving of the sacraments; church government and discipline; the ministry and maintenance thereof; religious fasting; swearing by the name of God, and vowing unto him: as also the disapproving, detesting, opposing, all false worship; and, according to each one's place and calling, removing it, and all monuments of idolatry.
Question
109: What are the sins forbidden in the second commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the second commandment are, all devising, counseling, commanding, using, and anywise approving, any religious worship not instituted by God himself; tolerating a false religion; the making any representation of God, of all or of any of the three persons, either inwardly in our mind, or outwardly in any kind of image or likeness of any creature: Whatsoever; all worshiping of it, or God in it or by it; the making of any representation of feigned deities, and all worship of them, or service belonging to them; all superstitious devices, corrupting the worship of God, adding to it, or taking from it, whether invented and taken up of
ourselves, or received by tradition from others, though under the title of antiquity, custom, devotion, good intent, or any other pretense: Whatsoever; simony; sacrilege; all neglect, contempt, hindering, and opposing the worship and ordinances which God has appointed.
Question 110: What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment, the more to enforce it?
Answer: The reasons annexed to the second commandment, the more to enforce it, contained in these words, For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments; are, besides God's sovereignty over us, and propriety in us, his fervent zeal for his own worship, and his revengeful indignation against all false worship, as being a spiritual whoredom; accounting the breakers of this commandment such as hate him, and threatening to punish them unto divers generations; and esteeming the
observers of it such as love him and keep his commandments, and promising mercy to them unto many generations.
Q. 107. Which is the second commandment?
A. The second commandment is, Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Exod. 20:4-5-6
Q. 108. What are the duties required in the second commandment?
A. The duties required in the second commandment are, the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God hath instituted in his Word; Deut. 32:46-47; Matt. 28:20; Acts 2:42; 1 Tim. 6:13-14
| Deuteronomy 32:46-47 and He said to them: "Set your hearts on all the words which I testify among you today, which you shall command your children to be careful to observe; all the words of this law. {47} "For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to possess." | |
| Matthew 28:20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. | |
| Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. | |
| 1 Timothy 6:13-14 I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, {14} that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing, |
particularly prayer and thanksgiving in the name of Christ; Phil. 4:6; Eph. 5:20
| Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. | |
| Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; |
the reading, preaching, and hearing of the Word; Deut. 17:18-19; Acts 15:21; 2 Tim. 4:2; James 1:21-22; Acts 10:33
| Deuteronomy 17:18-19 "Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. {19} "And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, | |
| Acts 15:21 "For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath." | |
| 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. | |
| James 1:21-22 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. {22} But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. | |
| Acts 10:33 "So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God." |
the administration and receiving of the sacraments; Matt. 28:19 1 Cor. 11:23-30
| Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, | |
| 1 Corinthians 11:23-30 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; {24} and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." {25} In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." {26} For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. {27} Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. {28} But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. {29} For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. {30} For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. |
church government and discipline; Matt. 18:15-17; Matt. 16:19; 1 Cor. Chapter 5 also 1 Cor. 12:28
| Matthew 18:15-17 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. {16} But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. {17} And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican. | |
| Matthew 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. | |
| I Corinthians 5 | |
| 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. |
the ministry and maintainance thereof; Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 Cor. 9:7-15
| Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; {12} For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: | |
| 1 Timothy 5:17-18 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. {18} For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward | |
| 1 Corinthians 9:7-15 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? {8} Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? {9} For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? {10} Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. {11} If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? {12} If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. {13} Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? {14} Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. {15} But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. |
religious fasting; Joel 2:12, 18; 1 Cor. 7:5
| Joel 2:12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: {18} Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people. | |
| 1 Corinthians 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. |
swearing by the name of God; Deut. 6:13
| Deuteronomy 6:13 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. |
and vowing unto him; Ps. 76:11
| Psalm 76:11 Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared. |
as also the disapproving, detesting, opposing all false worship; Acts 17:16-17; Ps. 16:4
| Acts 17:16-17 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. {17} Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. | |
| Psalm 16:4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips. |
and, according to each one's place and calling, removing it, and all monuments of idolatry. Deut. 7:5; Isa. 30:22
| Deuteronomy 7:5 But thus shall ye deal with them; ye shall destroy their altars, and break down their images, and cut down their groves, and burn their graven images with fire. | |
| Isaiah 30:22 Ye shall defile also the covering of thy graven images of silver, and the ornament of thy molten images of gold: thou shalt cast them away as a menstruous cloth; thou shalt say unto it, Get thee hence. |
Q. 109. What are the sins forbidden in the second commandment?
A. The sins forbidden in the second commandment are, all devising any religious worship not instituted by God himself, Numb. 15:39
| Numbers 15:39 And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: |
counselling any religious worship not instituted by God himself, Deut. 13:6-8
| Deuteronomy 13:6-8 If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; {7} Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; {8} Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: |
commanding any religious worship not instituted by God himself, Hosea 5:11; Micah 6:16
| Hosea 5:11 Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment. | |
| Micah 6:16 For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people. |
using any religious worship not instituted by God himself, 1 Kings 11:33; 1 Kings 12:33
| 1 Kings 11:33 Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father. | |
| 1 Kings 12:33 So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense. |
and anywise approving, any religious worship not instituted by God himself; Deut. 12:30-32
| Deuteronomy 12:30-32 Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. {31} Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. {32} What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. |
tolerating a false religion; the making any representation of God, of all or of any of the three persons, either inwardly in our mind, or outwardly in any kind of image or likeness of any creature whatsoever; Deut. 4:15-19; Acts 17:29; Rom. 1:21-23, 25
| Deuteronomy 4:15-19 Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire: {16} Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female, {17} The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, {18} The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth: {19} And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven. | |
| Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. | |
| Romans 1:21-23 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. {22} Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, {23} and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. {25} who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. |
all worshipping of it, Dan. 3:18; Gal. 4:8
| Daniel 3:18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. | |
| Galatians 4:8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. |
or God in it or by it; Exod. 32:5
| Exodus 32:5 And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD. |
the making of any representation of feigned deities, Exod. 32:8
| Exodus 32:8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. |
and all worship of them, or service belonging to them, 1 Kings 18:26, 28; Isa. 65:11
| 1 Kings 18:26 And they took the bullock which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered. And they leaped upon the altar which was made. {28} And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them. | |
| Isaiah 65:11 But ye are they that forsake the LORD, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish the drink offering unto that number. |
all superstitious devices, Acts 17:22; Col. 2:21-23
| Acts 17:22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. | |
| Colossians 2:21-23 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; {22} Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? {23} Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. |
corrupting the worship of God, Mal. 1:7-8, 14
| Malachi 1:7-8 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible. {8} And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts. {14} But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen. |
adding to it, or taking from it, Deut. 4:2
| Deuteronomy 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. |
whether invented and taken up of ourselves, Ps. 106:39
| Psalm 106:39 Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. |
or received by tradition from others, Matt. 15:9
| Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. |
though under the title of antiquity, 1 Pet. 1:18
| 1 Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; |
custom, Jer. 44:17
| Jeremiah 44:17 But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for then had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil. |
devotion, Isa. 65:3-5; Gal. 1:13-14
| Isaiah 65:3-5 A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; {4} Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; {5} Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day. | |
| Galatians 1:13-14 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: {14} And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. |
good intent, or any other pretence whatsoever; 1 Sam. 13:11-12; 1 Sam. 15:21
| 1 Samuel 13:11-12 And Samuel said, What hast thou done? And Saul said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; {12} Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. | |
| 1 Samuel 15:21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God in Gilgal. |
simony; Acts 8:18
| Acts 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, |
sacrilege;
all neglect [of] the worship and ordinances which God hath appointed, Exod. 4:24-26
| Exodus 4:24-26 And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him. {25} Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. {26} So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision. |
all contempt [for] the worship and ordinances which God hath appointed, Matt. 22:5; Mal. 1:7, 13
| Matthew 22:5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: | |
| Malachi 1:7 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible. {13} Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD. |
all hindering [of] the worship and ordinances which God hath appointed, Matt. 23:13
| Matthew 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. |
and all opposing the worship and ordinances which God hath appointed. Acts 13:44-45; 1 Thess. 2:15-16.
| Acts 13:44-45 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. {45} But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. | |
| 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: {16} Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. |
Q. 110. What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment, the more to enforce it?
A. The reasons annexed to the second commandment, the more to enforce it, contained in these words, For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments;
are, besides God's sovereignty over us, and propriety in us, Ps. 45:11; Rev. 15:3-4
| Psalm 45:11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him. | |
| Revelation 15:3-4 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. {4} Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. |
His fervent zeal for His own worship, Exod. 34:13-14
| Exodus 34:13-14 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: {14} For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God: |
and His revengeful indignation against all false worship, as being a spiritual whoredom; 1 Cor. 10:20-22; Deut. 32:16-20
| 1 Corinthians 10:20-22 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. {21} Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. {22} Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? | |
| Deuteronomy 32:16-20 They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger. {17} They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. {18} Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee. {19} And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters. {20} And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. |
accounting the breakers of this commandment such as hate him, and threatening to punish them unto divers generations;
and esteeming the observers of it such as love him and keep his commandments, and promising mercy to them unto many generations. Deut. 5:29.
| Deuteronomy 5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever! |
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The Westminster Larger Catechism (1648) explains our duties under the Third Commandment.
First, you must agree that the Catechism has correctly explained the implications of the Commandment. Assuming it has, you must agree with God that you are obligated to carry out those principles in your life. This page is a checklist for you to discern your agreement.
Second you must ask yourself if you have violated each aspect of the command.
Third, you must take steps to develop the Character of Christ, and eliminate "character defects" from your life.
If you do not understand the Scripture proof-text after reading the pages above, write to me.
2. If you understand the Scripture text, but do not agree that the duty spelled out is in fact commanded to God, explain to me why not. I'm open-minded. In fact, you will find several places where I have already indicated my disagreement with the Catechism. On the whole, however, I think the Catechism is amazing in its accuracy.
3. If you can think of other duties which might be meaningful in the lives of others, please send them to me so I can include them here as well.
Question 111: Which is the third commandment?
Answer: The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain.
Question 112: What is required in the third commandment?
Answer: The third commandment requires, That the name of God, his titles, attributes, ordinances, the Word, sacraments, prayer, oaths, vows, lots, his works, and: Whatsoever else there is whereby he makes himself known, be holily and reverently used in thought, meditation, word, and writing; by an holy profession, and Answerable conversation, to the glory of God, and the good of ourselves, and others.
Question 113: What are the sins forbidden in the third commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the third commandment are, the not using of God's name as is required; and the abuse of it in an ignorant, vain, irreverent, profane, superstitious, or wicked mentioning, or otherwise using his titles, attributes, ordinances, or works, by blasphemy, perjury; all sinful cursings, oaths, vows, and lots; violating of our oaths and vows, if lawful; and fulfilling them, if of things unlawful; murmuring and quarreling at, curious prying into, and misapplying of God's decrees and providences; misinterpreting, misapplying, or any way perverting the Word, or any part of it, to profane jests, curious or unprofitable Questions, vain janglings,
or the maintaining of false doctrines; abusing it, the creatures, or anything contained under the name of God, to charms, or sinful lusts and practices; the maligning, scorning, reviling, or anywise opposing of God's truth, grace, and ways; making profession of religion in hypocrisy, or for sinister ends; being ashamed of it, or a shame to it, by unconformable, unwise, unfruitful, and offensive walking, or backsliding from it.
Question 114: What reasons are annexed to the third commandment?
Answer: The reasons annexed to the third commandment, in these words, The Lord thy God, and, For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain, are, because he is the Lord and our God, therefore his name is not to be profaned, or any way abused by us; especially because he will be so far from acquitting and sparing the transgressors of this commandment, as that he will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment, albeit many such escape the censures and punishments of men.
Q. 111. Which is the third commandment?
A. The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.Exod. 20:7
Q. 112. What is required in the third commandment?
A. The third commandment requires, That the name of God be holily and reverently used,
His titles be holily and reverently used,
His attributes be holily and reverently used, Matt. 11:9; Deut. 28:58; Ps. 29:2; Ps. 68:4; Rev. 15:3-4.[See above in number 88.]
| Matthew 11:9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. | |
| Deuteronomy 28:58 If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD; | |
| Psalms 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. | |
| Psalms 68:4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. | |
| Revelation 15:3-4 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. {4} Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. |
His ordinances be holily and reverently used, Mal. 1:14; Eccl. 5:1
| Malachi 1:14 But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen. | |
| Ecclesiastes 5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. |
the Word be holily and reverently used, Ps. 138:2
| Psalms 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. |
sacraments be holily and reverently used, 1 Cor. 11:24-25, 28-29
| 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, 28-29 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. {25} After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. {28} But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. {29} For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. |
prayer be holily and reverently used, 1 Tim. 2:8
| 1 Timothy 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. |
oaths be holily and reverently used, Jer. 4:2
| Jeremiah 4:2 And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory. |
vows be holily and reverently used, Eccl. 5:2,4-6
| Ecclesiastes 5:2,4-6 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. {4} When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. {5} Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. {6} Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands? |
lots be holily and reverently used, Acts 1:24, 26
| Acts 1:24,26 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these two thou hast chosen, {26} And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. |
his works be holily and reverently used, Job 36:24
| Job 36:24 Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold. |
and whatsoever else there is whereby he makes himself known, be holily and reverently used in thought, Mal. 3:16
| Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. |
meditation, Ps. 8:1, 3-4, 9
| Psalms 8:1,3-4,9 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. {3} When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; {4} What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? {9} O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! |
in word, Col. 3:17; Ps. 105:2, 5
| Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. | |
| Psalms 105:2,5 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. {5} Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; |
and in writing; Ps. 102:18
| Psalms 102:18 This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD. |
by an holy profession, 1 Pet. 3:15; Micah 4:5
| 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: | |
| Micah 4:5 For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever. |
and answerable conversation, Phil. 1:27
| Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; |
to the glory of God, 1 Cor. 10:31
| 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. |
and the good of ourselves, Jer. 32:39
| Jeremiah 32:39 And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: |
and others. 1 Pet. 2:12.
| 1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. |
Q. 113. What are the sins forbidden in the third commandment?
A. The sins forbidden in the third commandment are, the not using of God's name as is required; Mal. 2:2
| Malachi 2:2 If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart. |
and the abuse of it in an ignorant, Acts 17:23
| Acts 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. |
and the abuse of it in a vain, Prov. 30:9
| Proverbs 30:9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. |
and the abuse of it in an irreverent, profane, Mal. 1:6-7, 12; Mal. 3:14
| Malachi 1:6-7,12 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? {7} Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible. {12} But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible. | |
| Malachi 3:14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? |
and the abuse of it in a superstitious 1 Sam. 4:3-5; Jer. 7:4, 9-10, 14, 31; Col. 2:20-22
| 1 Samuel 4:3-5 And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies. {4} So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. {5} And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again. | |
Jeremiah 7:4,9-10,14,21 Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these. {9}Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; {10} And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? {14} Therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh. {31} And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart. |
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| Colossians 2:20-22 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, {21} (Touch not; taste not; handle not; {22} Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? |
or wicked mentioning or otherwise using his titles, attributes, 2 Kings 18:30, 35; Exod. 5:2; Ps. 139:20
| 2 Kings 18:30-35 Neither let Hezekiah make you trust in the LORD, saying, The LORD will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. {35} Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of mine hand, that the LORD should deliver Jerusalem out of mine hand? | |
| Exodus 5:2 And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. | |
| Psalm 139:20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. |
ordinances, Ps. 50:16-17
| Psalms 50:16-17 But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? {17} Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee. |
or works, Isa. 5:12
| Isaiah 5:12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands. |
by blasphemy, 2 Kings 19:22; Lev. 24:11
| 2 Kings 19:22 Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel. | |
| Leviticus 24:11 And the Israelitish woman's son blasphemed the name of the LORD, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: (and his mother's name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:) |
perjury; Zech. 5:4; Zech. 8:17
| Zechariah 5:4 I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof. | |
| Zechariah 8:17 And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD. |
all sinful cursings, 1 Sam. 17:43; 2 Sam. 16:5
| 1 Samuel 17:43 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. | |
| 2 Samuel 16:5 And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came. |
oaths, Jer. 5:7; 23:10;
| Jeremiah 5:7 How shall I pardon thee for this? thy children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods: when I had fed them to the full, they then committed adultery, and assembled themselves by troops in the harlots' houses. | |
| Jeremiah 23:10 For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right. |
vows, Deut. 23:18; Acts 23:12, 14
| Deuteronomy 23:18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God. | |
| Acts 23:12,14 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. {14} And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. |
and lots; Esth. 3:7; Esth. 9:24; Ps. 22:18
| Esther 3:7 In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar. | |
| Esther 9:24 Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had devised against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is, the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them; | |
| Psalm 22:18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. |
violating of our oaths and vows, if lawful Ps. 24:4; Ezek. 17:16, 18-19
| Psalms 24:4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. | |
| Ezekiel 17:16,18-19 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely in the place where the king dwelleth that made him king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, even with him in the midst of Babylon he shall die. {18} Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not escape. {19} Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head. |
and fulfilling them, if of things unlawful; Mark 6:26; 1 Sam. 25:22, 32-34
| 1 Samuel 25:22 So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall. | |
| 1 Samuel 25:32-34 And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: {33} And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand. {34} For in very deed, as the LORD God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall. | |
| Mark 6:26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. |
murmuring and quarrelling at, Rom. 9:14, 19-20
| Romans 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. | |
| Romans 9:19-20 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? {20} Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? |
curious prying into, Deut. 29:29
| Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. |
and misapplying of God's decrees Rom. 3:5, 7; Rom. 6:1
| Romans 3:5,7 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) {7} For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? | |
| Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? |
and providences; Eccl. 8:11; Eccl. 9:3; Ps. 39
| Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. | |
| Ecclesiastes 9:3 This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead. | |
| Psalm 39:1 To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. |
misinterpreting, Matt. 5:21 to the end.Quest.99, letter o.]
| Matthew 5:21-48 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: {22} But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. | |
| {27} Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: {28} But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. | |
| {33} Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: {34} But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: {37} But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. | |
| {38} Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: {39} But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. | |
| {43} Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. {44} But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; {45} That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. |
misapplying, Ezek. 13:22
| Ezekiel 13:22 Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life: |
or any way perverting the Word, or any part of it; 2 Pet. 3:16; Matt. 22:24-31, 25:28-30
| Matthew 22:24-31 Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. {25} Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother: {26} Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh. {27} And last of all the woman died also. {28} Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. {29} Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. {30} For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. {31} But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, | |
| Matthew 25:28-30 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. {29} For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. {30} And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. | |
| 2 Peter 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. |
to profane jests, Isa. 22:13; Jer. 23:34, 36, 38
| Isaiah 22:13 And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die. | |
| Jeremiah 23:34,36-38 And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house. {36} And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God. {38} But since ye say, The burden of the LORD; therefore thus saith the LORD; Because ye say this word, The burden of the LORD, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of the LORD; |
curious or unprofitable questions, vain janglings, or the maintaining of false doctrines; 1 Tim. 1:4, 6-7; 1 Tim. 6:4-5, 20; 2 Tim. 2:14; Tit. 3:9
| 1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. | |
| 1 Timothy 1:6-7 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; {7} Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. | |
| 1 Timothy 6:4-5 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, {5} Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. | |
| 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: | |
| 2 Timothy 2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. | |
| Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain |
abusing it, the creatures, or anything contained under the name of God, to charms, Deut. 18:10-14, 11-12; Acts 19:13
| Deuteronomy 18:10-14 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, {11} Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. {12} For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. {13} Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. {14} For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do. | |
| Acts 19:13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. |
or sinful lusts and practices; 2 Tim. 4:3-4; Rom. 13:13-14; 1 Kings 21:9-10; Jude 4
| 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; {4} And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. | |
| Romans 13:13-14 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. {14} But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. | |
| 1 Kings 21:9-10 And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people: {10} And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die. | |
| Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. |
the maligning, Acts 13:45; 1 John 3:12
| Acts 13:45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. | |
| 1 John 3:12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. |
scorning, Ps. 1:1; 2 Pet. 3:3
| Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. | |
| 2 Peter 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, |
reviling, 1 Pet. 4:4
| 1 Peter 4:4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: |
or any wise opposing of God's truth, grace, and ways; Acts. 13:45-46,50; Acts 4:18; Acts 19:9; 1 Thess. 2:16; Heb. 10:29
| Acts 13:45-46 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. {46} Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. {50} But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. | |
| Acts 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. | |
| Acts 19:9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. | |
| 1 Thessalonians 2:16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. | |
| Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? |
making profession of religion in hypocrisy, or for sinister ends; 2 Tim. 3:5; Matt. 23:14; Matt. 6:1-2, 5, 16
| 2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. | |
| Matthew 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. | |
| Matthew 6:1-2,5,16 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. {2} Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.{5} And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.{16} Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. |
being ashamed of it, Mark 8:38
| Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. |
or a shame to it, by unconformable, Ps. 73:14-15
| Psalms 73:14-15 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. {15} If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. |
unwise, 1 Cor. 6:5-6; Eph. 5:15-17
| 1 Corinthians 6:5-6 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? {6} But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. | |
| Ephesians 5:15-17 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, {16} Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. {17} Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. |
unfruitful, Isa. 5:4; 2 Pet. 1:8-9
| Isaiah 5:4 What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes? | |
| 2 Peter 1:8-9 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. {9} But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. |
and offensive walking, Rom. 2:23-24
| Romans 2:23-24 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? {24} For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. |
or backsliding from it. Gal. 3:1, 3; Heb. 6:6.
| Galatians 3:1,3 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? {3} Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? | |
| Hebrews 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. |
Q. 114. What reasons are annexed to the third commandment?
A. The reasons annexed to the third commandment, in these words, The Lord thy God, and, For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain, Exod. 20:7
are, because he is the Lord and our God, therefore his name is not to be profaned, or any way abused by us; Lev. 19:12
| Leviticus 19:12 And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. |
especially because he will be so far from acquitting and sparing the transgressors of this commandment, as that he will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment; Ezek. 36:21-23; Deut. 28:58-59; Zech. 5:2-4
| Ezekiel 36:21-23 But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went. {22} Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. {23} And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. | |
| Deuteronomy 28:58-59 If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD; {59} Then the LORD will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance. | |
| Zechariah 5:2-4 And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits. {3} Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it. {4} I will bring it forth, saith the LORD of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof. |
albeit many such escape the censures and punishments of men. 1 Sam. 2:12, 17, 22, 24; 1 Sam. 3:13
| 1 Samuel 2:12,17,22,24 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD. {17} Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD. {22} Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. {24} Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord's people to transgress. | |
| 1 Samuel 3:13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. |
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The Westminster Larger Catechism (1648) explains our duties under the Fourth Commandment.
First, you must agree that the Catechism has correctly explained the implications of the Commandment. Assuming it has, you must agree with God that you are obligated to carry out those principles in your life. This page is a checklist for you to discern your agreement.
Second you must ask yourself if you have violated each aspect of the command.
Third, you must take steps to develop the Character of Christ, and eliminate "character defects" from your life.
If you do not understand the Scripture proof-text after reading the pages above, write to me.
2. If you understand the Scripture text, but do not agree that the duty spelled out is in fact commanded to God, explain to me why not. I'm open-minded. In fact, you will find several places where I have already indicated my disagreement with the Catechism. On the whole, however, I think the Catechism is amazing in its accuracy.
3. If you can think of other duties which might be meaningful in the lives of others, please send them to me so I can include them here as well.
Question 115: Which is the fourth commandment?
Answer: The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Question 116: What is required in the fourth commandment?
Answer: The fourth commandment requires of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set times as he has appointed in his Word, expressly one whole day in seven; which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, and the first day of the week ever since, and so to continue to the end of the world; which is the Christian sabbath, and in the New Testament called the Lord's day.
Question 117: How is the sabbath or the Lord's day to be sanctified?
Answer: The sabbath or Lord's day is to be sanctified by an holy resting all the day, not only from such works as are at all times sinful, but even from such worldly employments and recreations as are on other days lawful; and making it our delight to spend the whole time (except so much of it as is to betaken up in works of necessity and mercy) in the public and private exercises of God's worship: and, to that end, we are to prepare our hearts, and with such foresight, diligence, and moderation, to dispose and seasonably dispatch our worldly business, that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day.
Question 118: Why is the charge
of keeping the sabbath more specially directed to governors of families, and other superiors?
Answer: The charge of keeping the sabbath is more specially directed to governors of families, and other superiors, because they are bound not only to keep it themselves, but to see that it be observed by all those that are under their charge; and because they are prone ofttimes to hinder them by employments of their own.
Question 119: What are the sins forbidden in the fourth commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the fourth commandment are, all omissions of the duties required, all careless, negligent, and unprofitable performing of them, and being weary of them; all profaning the day by idleness, and doing that which is in itself sinful; and by all needless works, words, and thoughts, about our worldly employments and recreations.
Question 120: What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more to enforce it?
Answer: The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more to enforce it, are taken from the equity of it, God allowing us six days of seven for our own affairs, and reserving but one for himself, in these words, Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: from God's challenging a special propriety in that day, The seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: from the example of God, who in six days made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: and from that blessing which God put upon that day, not only in sanctifying it to be a day for his service, but in ordaining it to be a means of blessing to us in our sanctifying
it;Wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Question 121: Why is the word Remember set in the beginning of the fourth commandment?
Answer: The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth commandment, partly, because of the great benefit of remembering it, we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it, and, in keeping it, better to keep all the rest of the commandments, and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of creation and redemption, which contain a short abridgment of religion; and partly, because we are very ready to forget it, for that there is less light of nature for it, and yet it restrains our natural liberty in things at other times lawful; that it comes but once in seven days, and many worldly businesses come between, and too often take off
our minds from thinking of it, either to prepare for it, or to sanctify it;and that Satan with his instruments much labor to blot out the glory, and even the memory of it, to bring in all irreligion and impiety.
Q. 115. Which is the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested in the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath-day and hallowed it. Exod. 20:8-11
Q. 116. What is required in the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment requireth of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his Word, expressly one whole day in seven; which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, and the first day of the week ever since, and so to continue to the end of the world; which is the Christian sabbath, Deut. 5:12-14; Gen. 2:2-3; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Matt. 5:17-18; Isa. 56:2, 4, 6-7
| Deuteronomy 5:12-14 Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee. {13} Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: {14} But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. | |
| Genesis 2:2-3 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. {3} And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. | |
| 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. {2} Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. | |
| Matthew 5:17-18 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. {18} For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. | |
| Isaiah 56:24,6-7 Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. {4} For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; {6}Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; {7} Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. |
and in the New Testament called The Lord's day. Rev. 1:10
| Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, |
Q. 117. How is the sabbath or the Lord's day to be sanctified?
A. The sabbath or Lord's day is to be sanctified by an holy resting all the day, Exod. 20:8, 10
| Exodus 20:8,10 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. {10} But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: |
not only from such works as are at all times sinful, but even from such worldly employments and recreations as are on other days lawful; Exod. 16:25-28; Neh. 13:15-22; Jer. 17:21-22
| Exodus 16:25-28 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field. {26} Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none. {27} And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none. {28} And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws? | |
| Nehemiah 13:15-22 In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. {16} There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. {17} Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? {18} Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath. {19} And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. {20} So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice. {21} Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath. {22} And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy. | |
| Jeremiah 17:21-22 Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem; {22} Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers. |
and making it our delight to spend the whole time (except so much of it as is to be taken up in works of necessity and mercy Matt. 11:1-13)
| Matthew 11:1-13 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. {2} Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, {3} And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? {4} Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: {5} The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. {6} And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. {7} And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? {8} But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. {9} But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. {10} For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. {11} Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. {12} And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. {13} For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. |
in the public and private exercises of God's worship: Isa. 58:13; Luke 4:16; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Ps. 92 (title, A psalm or song for the sabbath-day); Isa. 66:23; Lev. 23:3
| Isaiah 58:13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: | |
| Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. | |
| Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. | |
| 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. {2} Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. | |
| Psalm 92 A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day. | |
| Isaiah 66:23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. | |
| Leviticus 23:3 Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings. |
and, to that end, we are to prepare our hearts, and with such foresight, diligence, and moderation, to dispose and seasonably dispatch our worldly business, that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day. Exod. 20:8, Luke 23:54,56; Exod. 16:22, 25-26, 29; Neh. 13:19.(See number 12.)
| Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. | |
| Luke 23:54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. {56} And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. | |
| Exodus 16:22,25-26,29 And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. {25} And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field. {26} Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none. {29} See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day. | |
| Nehemiah 13:19 And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. |
Q. 118. Why is the charge of keeping the sabbath more specially directed to governors of families, and other superiors?
A. The charge of keeping the sabbath is more specially directed to governors of families, and other superiors, because they are bound not only to keep it themselves, but to see that it be observed by all those that are under their charge; and because they are prone ofttimes to hinder them by employments of their own. Exod. 20:10; Josh. 24:15; Neh. 13:15, 17; (See above in 65.); Jer. 17:20-22; Exod. 23:12
| Exodus 20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: | |
| Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. | |
| Nehemiah 13:15,17 In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. {17} Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? | |
| Jeremiah 17:20-22 And say unto them, Hear ye the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates: {21} Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem; {22} Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers. | |
| Exodus 23:12 Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed. |
Q. 119. What are the sins forbidden in the fourth commandment?
A. The sins forbidden in the fourth commandment are, all omissions of the duties required, Ezek. 22:26
| Ezekiel 22:26 Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. |
all careless, negligent, and unprofitable performing of them, and being weary of them; Acts 20:7, 9; Ezek. 33:30-32; Amos 8:5; Mal. 1:13
| Acts 20:7,9 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. {9} And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. | |
| Ezekiel 33:30-32 Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the LORD. {31} And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. {32} And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not. | |
| Amos 8:5 Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? | |
| Malachi 1:13 Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD. |
all profaning the day by idleness, and doing that which is in itself sinful; Ezek. 23:38
| Ezekiel 23:38 Moreover this they have done unto me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my sabbaths. |
and by all needless works, words, and thoughts, about our worldly employments and recreations. Jer. 17:24, 27; Isa. 58:13
| Jeremiah 17:24,27 And it shall come to pass, if ye diligently hearken unto me, saith the LORD, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the sabbath day, but hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein; {27} But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched. | |
| Isaiah 58:13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: |
Q. 120. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more to enforce it?
A. The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more to enforce it, are taken from the equity of it, God allowing us six days of seven for our own affairs, and reserving but one for himself in these words, Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: Exod. 20:9
from God's challenging a special propriety in that day, The seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: Exod. 20:10
from the example of God, who in six days made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: and from that blessing which God put upon that day, not only in sanctifying it to be a day for his service, but in ordaining it to be a means of blessing to us in our sanctifying it; Wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Exod. 20:11
Q. 121. Why is the Word Remember set in the beginning of the fourth commandment?
A. The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth commandment, Exod. 20:8
partly, because of the great benefit of remembering it, we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it, Exod. 16:23; Luke 23:54, 56; Mark 15:42; Neh. 13:19
| Exodus 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. | |
| Nehemiah 13:19 And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. | |
| Luke 23:54,56 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. {56} And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. | |
| Mark 15:42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, |
and, in keeping it, better to keep all the rest of the commandments, Ps. 92:13-14.; Ezek. 20:12, 19-20
| Psalm 92:13-14 (title, A psalm or song for the sabbath-day.) Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. {14} They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; |
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| Ezekiel 20:12,19-20 Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them. {19} I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; {20} And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God. |
and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of creation and redemption, which contain a short abridgment of religion; Gen. 2:2-3; Ps. 118:22, 24; Acts 4:10-11; Rev. 1:10
| Genesis 2:2-3 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. {3} And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. | |
| Psalms 118:22,24 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. {24} This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. | |
| Acts 4:10-11 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. {11} This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. | |
| Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, |
and partly, because we are very ready to forget it, Ezek. 22:26
| Ezekiel 22:26 Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they showed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. |
for that there is less light of nature for it, Neh. 9:14
| Nehemiah 9:14 And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant: |
and yet it restraineth our natural liberty in things at other times lawful; Exod. 34:21
| Exodus 34:21 Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest. |
that it cometh but once in seven days, and many worldly businesses come between, and too often take off our minds from thinking of it, either to prepare for it, or to sanctify it; Deut. 5:14-15; Amos 8:5
| Deuteronomy 5:14-15 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. {15} And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day. | |
| Amos 8:5 Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? |
and that Satan with his instruments labours much to blot out the glory, and even the memory of it, to bring in all irreligion and impiety. Lam. 1:7; Jer. 17:21-23; Neh. 13:15-23 [See in number 12, Q. 117.]
| Lamentations 1:7 Jerusalem remembered in the days of her affliction and of her miseries all her pleasant things that she had in the days of old, when her people fell into the hand of the enemy, and none did help her: the adversaries saw her, and did mock at her sabbaths. | |
| Jeremiah 17:21-23 Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem; {22} Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers. {23} But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction. | |
| Nehemiah 13:15-23 In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. {16} There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. {17} Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? {18} Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath. {19} And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. {20} So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice. {21} Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath. {22} And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy. {23} In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: |
Toward a Searching and Fearless Moral InventoryHave I Obeyed the Fifth Commandment? |
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The Westminster Larger Catechism (1648) explains our duties under the Fifth Commandment.
First, you must agree that the Catechism has correctly explained the implications of the Commandment. Assuming it has, you must agree with God that you are obligated to carry out those principles in your life. This page is a checklist for you to discern your agreement.
Second you must ask yourself if you have violated each aspect of the command.
Third, you must take steps to develop the Character of Christ, and eliminate "character defects" from your life.
If you do not understand the Scripture proof-text after reading the pages above, write to me.
2. If you understand the Scripture text, but do not agree that the duty spelled out is in fact commanded to God, explain to me why not. I'm open-minded. In fact, you will find several places where I have already indicated my disagreement with the Catechism. On the whole, however, I think the Catechism is amazing in its accuracy.
3. If you can think of other duties which might be meaningful in the lives of others, please send them to me so I can include them here as well.
Question 123: Which is the fifth commandment?
Answer: The fifth commandment is, Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God gives thee.
Question 124: Who are meant by father and mother in the fifth commandment?
Answer: By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, but all superiors in age and gifts; and especially such as, by God's ordinance, are over us in place of authority, whether in family, church, or commonwealth.
Note: This is one of the most important questions in the Catechism, in my not-so-humble opinion. The Fifth Commandment applies to your birth parents, your foster parents, your adoptive parents, your guard in jail, your employer, your mayor, your popularly-elected president, your totalitarian dictator, your older brother, your aunts and uncles, your priest or pastor, the guy who knows more about algebra than you do and sometimes helps you with your homework, and the guy who is much better than you are at basketball and continually insults you when you miss an easy lay-up.
The ability to HONOR someone who excels you in some way is one of the most effective antidotes to pride. It truly separates the men from the boys. And that's ironic, because it says that the test of maturity is the ability to act as an obedient child.
Tyrants are childish. Those who can submit to them with grace are true men.
Inferiors should have as their goal persuading evil Superiors to repent. This is accomplished by Inferiors being subject to their wicked Superiors, not by resisting them.
Why Christians Must Pay Taxes and Obey Unjust Laws
Question 125: Why are superiors styled father and mother?
Answer: Superiors are styled father and mother, both to teach them in all duties toward their inferiors, like natural parents, to express love and tenderness to them, according to their several relations; and to work inferiors to a greater willingness and cheerfulness in performing their duties to their superiors, as to their parents.
Question 126: What is the general scope of the fifth commandment?
Answer: The general scope of the fifth commandment is, the performance of those duties which we mutually owe in our several relations, as inferiors, superiors, or equals.
Question 127: What is the honor that inferiors owe to their superiors.?
Answer: The honor which inferiors owe to their superiors is, all due reverence in heart, word, and behavior; prayer and thanksgiving for them; imitation of their virtues and graces; willing obedience to their lawful commands and counsels; due submission to their corrections; fidelity to, defense and maintenance of their persons and authority, according to their several ranks, and the nature of their places; bearing with their infirmities, and covering them in love, that so they may be an honor to them and to their government.
Question 128: What are the sins of inferiors against their superiors?
Answer: The sins of inferiors against their superiors are, all neglect of the duties required toward them; envying at, contempt of, and rebellion against, their persons and places, in their lawful counsels, commands, and corrections; cursing, mocking, and all such refractory and scandalous carriage, as proves a shame and dishonor to them and their government.
Question 129: What is required of superiors towards their inferiors?
Answer: It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to love, pray for, and bless their inferiors; to instruct, counsel, and admonish them; countenancing, commending, and rewarding such as do well; and discountenancing, reproving, and chastising such as do ill; protecting, and providing for them all things necessary for soul and body: and by grave, wise, holy, and exemplary carriage, to procure glory to God, honor to themselves, and so to preserve that authority which God has put upon them.
Question 130: What are the sins of superiors?
Answer: The sins of superiors are, besides the neglect of the duties required of them, an inordinate seeking of themselves, their own glory, ease, profit, or pleasure; commanding things unlawful, or not in the power of inferiors to perform; counseling, encouraging, or favoring them in that which is evil; dissuading, discouraging, or discountenancing them in that which is good; correcting them unduly; careless exposing, or leaving them to wrong, temptation, and danger; provoking them to wrath; or any way dishonoring themselves, or lessening their authority, by an unjust, indiscreet, rigorous, or remiss behavior.
Question 131: What are the duties of
equals?
Answer: The duties of equals are, to regard the dignity and worth of each other, in giving honor to go one before another; and to rejoice in each other's gifts and advancement, as their own.
Question 132: What are the sins of equals?
Answer: The sins of equals are, besides the neglect of the duties required, the undervaluing of the worth, envying the gifts, grieving at the advancement of prosperity one of another; and usurping preeminence one over another.
Question 133: What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment, the more to enforce it?
Answer: The reason annexed to the fifth commandment, in these words, That thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God gives thee, is an express promise of long life and prosperity, as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good, to all such as keep this commandment.
Q. 123. Which is the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Exod. 20:12
Q. 124. Who are meant by father and mother in the fifth commandment?
A. By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, Prov. 23:22, 25; Eph. 6:1-2
| Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old. {25} Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her who bore you rejoice. | |
| Ephesians 6:1-2 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. {2} "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: |
By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, but all superiors in age 1 Tim. 5:1-2
| 1 Timothy 5:1-2 Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, {2} older women as mothers, younger as sisters, with all purity. |
By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, but all superiors in gifts; Gen. 4:20-22; Gen. 45:8
| Genesis 4:20-22 And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. {21} His brother's name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute. {22} And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-Cain was Naamah. | |
| Genesis 45:8 "So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. |
By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, but especially such as, by God's ordinance, are over us in place of authority, whether in family, 2 Kings 5:13
| 2 Kings 5:13 And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" |
By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, but especially such as, by God's ordinance, are over us in place of authority, in church, 2 Kings 2:12; 2 Kings 13:14; Gal. 4:19
| 2 Kings 2:12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!" So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. | |
| 2 Kings 13:14 Elisha had become sick with the illness of which he would die. Then Joash the king of Israel came down to him, and wept over his face, and said, "O my father, my father, the chariots of Israel and their horsemen!" | |
| Galatians 4:19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, |
By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, but especially such as, by God's ordinance, are over us in place of authority, in commonwealth. Isa. 49:23
| Isaiah 49:23 Kings shall be your foster fathers, And their queens your nursing mothers; They shall bow down to you with their faces to the earth, And lick up the dust of your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD, For they shall not be ashamed who wait for Me." |
Q. 125. Why are superiors styled father and mother?
A. Superiors are styled father and mother, both to teach them in all duties toward their inferiors, like natural parents, to express love and tenderness to them, according to their several relations; Eph. 6:4; 2 Cor. 12:14; 1 Thess. 2:7-8, 11; Num. 11:11-12
| Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. | |
| 2 Corinthians 12:14 Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. | |
| 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8,11 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. {8} So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. {11} as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, | |
| Numbers 11:11-12 So Moses said to the LORD, "Why have You afflicted Your servant? And why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid the burden of all these people on me? {12} "Did I conceive all these people? Did I beget them, that You should say to me, 'Carry them in your bosom, as a guardian carries a nursing child,' to the land which You swore to their fathers? |
Superiors are styled father and mother, to work inferiors to a greater willingness and cheerfulness in performing their duties to their superiors, as to their parents. 1 Cor. 4:14-16; 2 Kings 5:13
| 1 Corinthians 4:14-16 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. {15} For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. {16} Therefore I urge you, imitate me. | |
| 2 Kings 5:13 And his servants came near and spoke to him, and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do something great, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he says to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" |
Q. 126. What is the general scope of the fifth commandment?
A. The general scope of the fifth commandment is, the performance of those duties which we mutually owe in our several relations, as inferiors, superiors, or equals. Eph. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:17; Rom. 12:10
| Ephesians 5:21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. | |
| 1 Peter 2:17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. | |
| Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; |
Q. 127. What is the honour that inferiors owe to their superiors?
A. The honour which inferiors owe to their superiors is,
all due reverence in heart, Mal. 1:6; Lev. 19:3
| Malachi 1:6 "A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the LORD of hosts To you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, 'In what way have we despised Your name?' | |
| Leviticus 19:3 'Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and keep My Sabbaths: I am the LORD your God. |
The honour which inferiors owe to their superiors is, all due reverence in word, Prov. 31:28; 1 Pet. 3:6
| Proverbs 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: | |
| 1 Peter 3:6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. |
The honour which inferiors owe to their superiors is, all due reverence in behaviour; Lev. 19:32; 1 Kings 2:19
| Leviticus 19:32 'You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD. | |
| 1 Kings 2:19 Bathsheba therefore went to King Solomon, to speak to him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her and bowed down to her, and sat down on his throne and had a throne set for the king's mother; so she sat at his right hand. |
The honour which inferiors owe to their superiors is, prayer and thanksgiving for them; 1 Tim. 2:1-2
| 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, {2} for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. |
The honour which inferiors owe to their superiors is, imitation of their virtues and graces; Heb. 13:7; Phil. 3:17
| Philippians 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. | |
| Hebrews 13:7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. |
The honour which inferiors owe to their superiors is, willing obedience to their lawful commands and counsels; Eph. 6:1-2, 6-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-14; Rom. 13:1-5; Heb. 13:17; Prov. 4:3-4; Prov. 23:22; Exod. 18:19, 24
| Ephesians 6:1-2,6-7 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. {2} "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: {6} not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, {7} with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, | |
| 1 Peter 2:13-14 Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, {14} or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. | |
| Romans 13:1-5 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. {2} Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. {3} For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. {4} For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. {5} Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake. | |
| Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. | |
| Proverbs 4:3-4 When I was my father's son, Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, {4} He also taught me, and said to me: "Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live. | |
| Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old. | |
| Exodus 18:19 "Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you: Stand before God for the people, so that you may bring the difficulties to God. {24} So Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. |
The honour which inferiors owe to their superiors is, due submission to their corrections; Heb. 12:9; 1 Pet. 2:18-20
| Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? | |
| 1 Peter 2:18-20 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. {19} For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. {20} For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. |
The honour which inferiors owe to their superiors is, fidelity to, their persons and authority, according to their several ranks, and the nature of their places; Tit. 2:9-10
| Titus 2:9-10 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, {10} not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. |
The honour which inferiors owe to their superiors is, defence of, their persons and authority, according to their several ranks, and the nature of their places; 1 Sam. 26:15-16; 2 Sam. 18:3; Esther 6:2
| 1 Samuel 26:15-16 So David said to Abner, "Are you not a man? And who is like you in Israel? Why then have you not guarded your lord the king? For one of the people came in to destroy your lord the king. {16} "This thing that you have done is not good. As the LORD lives, you deserve to die, because you have not guarded your master, the Lord's anointed. And now see where the king's spear is, and the jug of water that was by his head." | |
| 2 Samuel 18:3 But the people answered, "You shall not go out! For if we flee away, they will not care about us; nor if half of us die, will they care about us. But you are worth ten thousand of us now. For you are now more help to us in the city." | |
| Esther 6:2 And it was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, the doorkeepers who had sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. |
The honour which inferiors owe to their superiors is, maintenance of their persons and authority, according to their several ranks, and the nature of their places; Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:6-7; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; Gal. 6:6; Gen. 45:11; Gen. 47:12
| Matthew 22:21 They said to Him, "Caesar's." And He said to them, "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." | |
| Romans 13:6-7 For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. {7} Render therefore to all their due: tribute to whom tribute is due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. | |
| 1 Timothy 5:17-18 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. {18} For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." | |
| Galatians 6:6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. | |
| Genesis 45:11 "There I will provide for you, lest you and your household, and all that you have, come to poverty; for there are still five years of famine."' | |
| Genesis 47:12 Then Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father's household with bread, according to the number in their families. |
The honour which inferiors owe to their superiors is, bearing with their infirmities, and covering them in love, 1 Pet. 2:18; Prov. 23:22; Gen. 9:23
| 1 Peter 2:18 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. | |
| Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old. | |
| Genesis 9:23 But Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and went backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father's nakedness. |
The honour which inferiors owe to their superiors is, bearing with their infirmities, and covering them in love, that so they may be an honour to them and to their government. Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 31:23
| Psalms 127:3-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. {4} Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. {5} Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate. | |
| Proverbs 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. |
Q. 128. What are the sins of inferiors against their superiors?
A. The sins of inferiors against their superiors are, all neglect of the duties required toward them; Matt. 15:4-6
| Matthew 15:4-6 "For God commanded, saying, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.' {5} "But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God"; {6} 'then he need not honor his father or mother.' Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. |
A sin of inferiors against their superiors is, envying at, Num. 11:28-29
| Numbers 11:28-29 So Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, one of his choice men, answered and said, "Moses my lord, forbid them!" {29} Then Moses said to him, "Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord's people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!" |
A sin of inferiors against their superiors is, contempt of, 1 Sam. 8:7; Isa. 3:5
| 1 Samuel 8:7 And the LORD said to Samuel, "Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. | |
| Isaiah 3:5 The people will be oppressed, Every one by another and every one by his neighbor; The child will be insolent toward the elder, And the base toward the honorable." |
A sin of inferiors against their superiors is, and rebellion 2 Sam. 15:1-12
| 2 Samuel 15:1-12 After this it happened that Absalom provided himself with chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him. {2} Now Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate. So it was, whenever anyone who had a lawsuit came to the king for a decision, that Absalom would call to him and say, "What city are you from?" And he would say, "Your servant is from such and such a tribe of Israel." {3} Then Absalom would say to him, "Look, your case is good and right; but there is no deputy of the king to hear you." {4} Moreover Absalom would say, "Oh, that I were made judge in the land, and everyone who has any suit or cause would come to me; then I would give him justice." {5} And so it was, whenever anyone came near to bow down to him, that he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him. {6} In this manner Absalom acted toward all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. {7} Now it came to pass after forty years that Absalom said to the king, "Please, let me go to Hebron and pay the vow which I made to the LORD. {8} "For your servant took a vow while I dwelt at Geshur in Syria, saying, 'If the LORD indeed brings me back to Jerusalem, then I will serve the LORD.'" {9} And the king said to him, "Go in peace." So he arose and went to Hebron. {10} Then Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, "As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, 'Absalom reigns in Hebron!'" {11} And with Absalom went two hundred men invited from Jerusalem, and they went along innocently and did not know anything. {12} Then Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city; from Giloh; while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy grew strong, for the people with Absalom continually increased in number. |
A sin of inferiors against their superiors is, envying at, contempt of, and rebellion against, their persons Exod. 21:15
| Exodus 21:15 "And he who strikes his father or his mother shall surely be put to death. |
A sin of inferiors against their superiors is, envying at, contempt of, and rebellion against, their places, 1 Sam. 10:27
| 1 Samuel 10:27 But some rebels said, "How can this man save us?" So they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace. |
A sin of inferiors against their superiors is, envying at, contempt of, and rebellion against, their lawful counsels, 1 Sam. 2:25
| 1 Samuel 2:25 "If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?" Nevertheless they (viz., the sons of Eli) did not heed the voice of their father, because the LORD desired to kill them. |
A sin of inferiors against their superiors is, envying at, contempt of, and rebellion against, their commands, and corrections; Deut. 21:18-21
A sin of inferiors against their superiors is, cursing, mocking Prov. 30:11, 17
| Proverbs 30:11 There is a generation that curses its father, And does not bless its mother. {17} The eye that mocks his father, And scorns obedience to his mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will eat it. |
A sin of inferiors against their superiors is, all such refractory and scandalous carriage, as proves a shame and dishonour to them and their government. Prov. 19:26
| Proverbs 19:26 He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother Is a son who causes shame and brings reproach. |
Q. 129. What is required of superiors towards their inferiors?
A. It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to love, Col. 3:19; Tit. 2:4
| Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. | |
| Titus 2:4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, |
It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to pray for, 1 Sam. 12:23; Job 1:5
| 1 Samuel 12:23 "Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way. | |
| Job 1:5 So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did regularly. |
It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to bless their inferiors; 1 Kings 8:55-56; Heb 7:7; Gen. 49:28
| 1 Kings 8:55-56 Then he stood and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice, saying: {56} "Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised through His servant Moses. | |
| Hebrews 7:7 Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. | |
| Genesis 49:28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them. And he blessed them; he blessed each one according to his own blessing. |
It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to instruct them, Deut. 6:6-7
| Deuteronomy 6:6-7 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. {7} "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. |
It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to counsel, and admonish them; Eph. 6:4
| Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. |
It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to countenance such as do well; 1 Pet. 3:7
| 1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. |
It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to commend such as do well; 1 Pet. 2:14; Rom. 13:3
| 1 Peter 2:14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. | |
| Romans 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. |
It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to reward such as do well; Esth. 6:3
| Esther 6:3 Then the king said, "What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?" And the king's servants who attended him said, "Nothing has been done for him." |
It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to discountenance such as do ill, Rom. 13:3-4
| Romans 13:3-4 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. {4} For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. |
It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to reprove, and chastise such as do ill; Prov. 29:15; 1 Pet. 2:14.(See above in letter p.)
| Proverbs 29:15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. | |
| 1 Peter 2:14 or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. |
It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to protect, Job 29:13-16; Isa. 1:10, 17
| Job 29:13-16 The blessing of a perishing man came upon me, And I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. {14} I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; My justice was like a robe and a turban. {15} I was eyes to the blind, And I was feet to the lame. {16} I was a father to the poor, And I searched out the case that I did not know. | |
| Isaiah 1:10 Hear the word of the LORD, You rulers of Sodom; Give ear to the law of our God, You people of Gomorrah: {17} Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. |
It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to provide for them all things necessary for soul Eph. 6:4
| Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. |
It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to provide for them all things necessary for body: 1 Tim. 5:8
| 1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. |
It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, by grave, wise, holy, and exemplary carriage, to procure glory to God, 1 Tim. 4:12; Tit. 2:3-5
| 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. | |
| Titus 2:3-5 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; {4} that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, {5} to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. |
It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, by grave, wise, holy, and exemplary carriage, to procure honour to themselves, 1 Kings 3:28
| 1 Kings 3:28 And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had rendered; and they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. |
It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, by grave, wise, holy, and exemplary carriage, so to preserve that authority which God hath put upon them. Tit. 2:15
| Titus 2:15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you. |
Q. 130. What are the sins of superiors?
A. The sins of superiors are, besides the neglect of the duties required of them, Ezek. 34:2-4
| Ezekiel 34:2-4 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD to the shepherds: "Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? {3} "You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. {4} "The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. |
A sin of superiors is, inordinate seeking of themselves, Phil. 2:21
| Philippians 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. |
A sin of superiors is, inordinate seeking of their own glory, John 5:44; John 7:18
| John 5:44 "How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? | |
| John 7:18 "He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. |
A sin of superiors is, inordinate seeking of their own ease, profit, or pleasure; Isa. 56:10-11; Deut. 17:17
| Isaiah 56:10-11 His watchmen are blind, They are all ignorant; They are all dumb dogs, They cannot bark; Sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. {11} Yes, they are greedy dogs Which never have enough. And they are shepherds Who cannot understand; They all look to their own way, Every one for his own gain, From his own territory. | |
| Deuteronomy 17:17 "Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself. |
A sin of superiors is, commanding things unlawful, Dan. 3:4-6; Acts 4:17-18
| Daniel 3:4-6 Then a herald cried aloud: "To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, {5} "that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; {6} "and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace." | |
| Acts 4:17-18 "But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." {18} And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. |
A sin of superiors is, commanding things not in the power of inferiors to perform; Exod. 5:10-18; Matt. 23:2, 4
| Exodus 5:10-18 And the taskmasters of the people and their officers went out and spoke to the people, saying, "Thus says Pharaoh: 'I will not give you straw. {11} 'Go, get yourselves straw where you can find it; yet none of your work will be reduced.'" {12} So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw. {13} And the taskmasters forced them to hurry, saying, "Fulfill your work, your daily quota, as when there was straw." {14} Also the officers of the children of Israel, whom Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten and were asked, "Why have you not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and today, as before?" {15} Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried out to Pharaoh, saying, "Why are you dealing thus with your servants? {16} "There is no straw given to your servants, and they say to us, 'Make brick!' And indeed your servants are beaten, but the fault is in your own people." {17} But he said, "You are idle! Idle! Therefore you say, 'Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.' {18} "Therefore go now and work; for no straw shall be given you, yet you shall deliver the quota of bricks." | |
| Matthew 23:2 saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. {4} "For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. |
A sin of superiors toward inferiors are, counseling them in that which is evil, Matt. 14:8; Mark 6:24
| Matthew 14:8 So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, "Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter." | |
| Mark 6:24 So she went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the Baptist!" |
A sin of superiors toward inferiors are, encouraging them in that which is evil, 2 Sam. 13:28
| 2 Samuel 13:28 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, "Watch now, when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, 'Strike Amnon!' then kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant." |
A sin of superiors toward inferiors are, favouring them in that which is evil; 1 Sam. 3:13
| 1 Samuel 3:13 "For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them. |
A sin of superiors toward inferiors are, dissuading, discouraging, or discountenancing them in that which is good; John 7:46-49; Col. 3:21; Exod. 5:17
| John 7:46-49 The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this Man!" {47} Then the Pharisees answered them, "Are you also deceived? {48} "Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? {49} "But this crowd, that does not know the law, is accursed." | |
| Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. | |
| Exodus 5:17 But he said, "You are idle! Idle! Therefore you say, 'Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.' |
A sin of superiors toward inferiors are, correcting them unduly; 1 Pet. 2:18-20; Heb. 12:10; Deut. 25:3
| 1 Peter 2:18-20 Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. {19} For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. {20} For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. | |
| Hebrews 12:10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. | |
| Deuteronomy 25:3 "Forty blows he may give him and no more, lest he should exceed this and beat him with many blows above these, and your brother be humiliated in your sight. |
A sin of superiors toward inferiors are, careless exposing, or leaving them to wrong, temptation, and danger; Gen. 38:11, 26; Acts 18:17
| Genesis 38:11 Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, "Remain a widow in your father's house till my son Shelah is grown." For he said, "Lest he also die like his brothers." And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house. {26} So Judah acknowledged them and said, "She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah my son." And he never knew her again. | |
| Acts 18:17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things. |
A sin of superiors toward inferiors are, provoking them to wrath; Eph. 6:4
| Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. |
A sin of superiors toward inferiors are, or any way dishonouring themselves, or lessening their authority, by an unjust, indiscreet, rigorous, or remiss behaviour. Gen. 9:21; 1 Kings 12:13-16; 1 Kings 1:6; 1 Sam. 2:29-31
| Genesis 9:21 Then he drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent. | |
| 1 Kings 12:13-16 Then the king answered the people roughly, and rejected the advice which the elders had given him; {14} and he spoke to them according to the advice of the young men, saying, "My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scourges!" {15} So the king did not listen to the people; for the turn of events was from the LORD, that He might fulfill His word, which the LORD had spoken by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat. {16} Now when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, saying: "What share have we in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Now, see to your own house, O David!" So Israel departed to their tents. | |
| 1 Kings 1:6 (And his father had not rebuked him at any time by saying, "Why have you done so?" He was also very good-looking. His mother had borne him after Absalom.) | |
| 1 Samuel 2:29-31 'Why do you kick at My sacrifice and My offering which I have commanded in My dwelling place, and honor your sons more than Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel My people?' {30} "Therefore the LORD God of Israel says: 'I said indeed that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever.' But now the LORD says: 'Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed. {31} 'Behold, the days are coming that I will cut off your arm and the arm of your father's house, so that there will not be an old man in your house. |
The honor we owe to those who are our superiors, and the care we owe to those who are our inferiors, are to be learned and expressed toward those who are neither inferior nor superior, but are just like us.
Q. 131. What are the duties of equals?
A. The duties of equals are, to regard the dignity and worth of each other, 1 Pet. 2:17
| 1 Peter 2:17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. |
A duty of equals is, to regard the dignity and worth of each other, in giving honour to go one before another; Rom. 12:10
| Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; |
A duty of equals is, to rejoice in each others' gifts and advancement, as their own. Rom. 12:15-16; Phil. 2:3-4
| Romans 12:15-16 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. {16} Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. | |
| Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. {4} Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. |
Q. 132. What are the sins of equals?
A. The sins of equals are, besides the neglect of the duties required, Rom. 13:8
| Romans 13:8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. |
A sin of equals is, the undervaluing of the worth, one of another 2 Tim. 3:3
| 2 Timothy 3:3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, |
A sin of equals is, envying the gifts, one of another Acts 7:9; Gal. 5:26
| Acts 7:9 "And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him | |
| Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. |
A sin of equals is, grieving at the advancement of prosperity one of another; Num. 12:2; Esth. 6:12-13
| Numbers 12:2 So they said, "Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?" And the LORD heard it. | |
| Esther 6:12-13 Afterward Mordecai went back to the king's gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered. {13} When Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him, his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, "If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish descent, you will not prevail against him but will surely fall before him." |
A sin of equals is, usurping pre-eminence one over another. 3 John 9; Luke 22:24
| 3 John 1:9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. | |
| Luke 22:24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. |
Q. 133. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment, the more to enforce it?
A. The reason annexed to the fifth commandment, in these words, That thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, Exod. 20:12 is an express promise of long life and prosperity, as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good, to all such as keep this commandment. Deut. 5:16; 1 Kings 8:25; Eph. 6:2-3
| Deuteronomy 5:16 'Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you. | |
| 1 Kings 8:25 "Therefore, LORD God of Israel, now keep what You promised Your servant David my father, saying, 'You shall not fail to have a man sit before Me on the throne of Israel, only if your sons take heed to their way, that they walk before Me as you have walked before Me.' | |
| Ephesians 6:2-3 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: {3} "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." |
The Catechism specifies obedience to "lawful commands" as an aspect of the honor due our superiors. If a superior counsels a sinful act, we are still to honor the person, but must disobey the unlawful command. The requires prophetic grace. Grace to mortify the pride which wants to say "Nyahh Nyahh, I'm more holy than you are, you gave me an unlawful command and I'm not going to obey it!" but prophetic courage to disobey the commanding superior when it might be easier to go along.
Toward a Searching and Fearless Moral InventoryHave I Obeyed the Sixth Commandment? |
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The Westminster Larger Catechism (1648) explains our duties under the Sixth Commandment.
First, you must agree that the Catechism has correctly explained the implications of the Commandment. Assuming it has, you must agree with God that you are obligated to carry out those principles in your life. This page is a checklist for you to discern your agreement.
Second you must ask yourself if you have violated each aspect of the command.
Third, you must take steps to develop the Character of Christ, and eliminate "character defects" from your life.
If you do not understand the Scripture proof-text after reading the pages above, write to me.
2. If you understand the Scripture text, but do not agree that the duty spelled out is in fact commanded to God, explain to me why not. I'm open-minded. In fact, you will find several places where I have already indicated my disagreement with the Catechism. On the whole, however, I think the Catechism is amazing in its accuracy.
3. If you can think of other duties which might be meaningful in the lives of others, please send them to me so I can include them here as well.
Question 134: Which is the sixth commandment?
Answer: The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.
Question 135: What are the duties required in the sixth commandment?
Answer: The duties required in the sixth commandment are, all careful studies, and lawful endeavors, to preserve the life of ourselves and others by resisting all thoughts and purposes, subduing all passions, and avoiding all occasions, temptations, and practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any; by just defense thereof against violence, patient bearing of the hand of God, quietness of mind, cheerfulness of spirit; a sober use of meat, drink, physic, sleep, labor, and recreations; by charitable thoughts, love, compassion, meekness, gentleness, kindness; peaceable, mild and courteous speeches and behavior; forbearance, readiness to be
reconciled, patient bearing and forgiving of injuries, and requiting good for evil; comforting and succoring the distressed, and protecting and defending the innocent.
Question 136: What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are, all taking away the life of ourselves, or of others, except in case of public justice, lawful war, or necessary defense; the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life; sinful anger, hatred, envy, desire of revenge;all excessive passions, distracting cares; immoderate use of meat, drink, labor, and recreations; provoking words, oppression, quarreling, striking, wounding, and: Whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any.
Q. 134. Which is the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill. Exod. 20:13
Q. 135. What are the duties required in the sixth commandment?
A. The duties required in the sixth commandment are all careful studies, and lawful endeavors, to preserve the life of ourselves Eph. 5:28-29
| Ephesians 5:28-29 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. {29} For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment are all careful studies, and lawful endeavors, to preserve the life of others 1 Kings 18:4
| 1 Kings 18:4 For so it was, while Jezebel massacred the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah had taken one hundred prophets and hidden them, fifty to a cave, and had fed them with bread and water.) |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include resisting all thoughts and purposes
, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any, Jer. 26:15-16; Acts 23:12, 16-17, 21, 27| Jeremiah 26:15-16 "But know for certain that if you put me to death, you will surely bring innocent blood on yourselves, on this city, and on its inhabitants; for truly the LORD has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing." {16} So the princes and all the people said to the priests and the prophets, "This man does not deserve to die. For he has spoken to us in the name of the LORD our God." | |
| Acts 23:12,16-17,21,27 And when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. {16} So when Paul's sister's son heard of their ambush, he went and entered the barracks and told Paul. {17} Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, "Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him." {21} "But do not yield to them, for more than forty of them lie in wait for him, men who have bound themselves by an oath that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you." {27} This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. Coming with the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include subduing all passions which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any, Eph. 4:26-27
| Ephesians 4:26-27 "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath, {27} nor give place to the devil. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include avoiding all occasions which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any, 2 Sam. 2:22; Deut. 22:8
| 2 Samuel 2:22 So Abner said again to Asahel, "Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I face your brother Joab?" | |
| Deuteronomy 22:8 "When you build a new house, then you shall make a parapet for your roof, that you may not bring guilt of bloodshed on your household if anyone falls from it. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include avoiding all temptations which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any, Matt. 4:6-7; Prov. 1:10, 11, 15-16
| Matthew 4:6-7 and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,' and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" {7} Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.'" | |
| Proverbs 1:10-11 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. {11} If they say, "Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; {15} My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; {16} For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include avoiding all practices which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any; 1 Sam. 24:12; 1 Sam. 26:9-11; Gen. 37:21-22
| 1 Samuel 24:12 "Let the LORD judge between you and me, and let the LORD avenge me on you. But my hand shall not be against you. | |
| 1 Samuel 26:9-11 And David said to Abishai, "Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless?" {10} David said furthermore, "As the LORD lives, the LORD shall strike him, or his day shall come to die, or he shall go out to battle and perish. {11} "The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the Lord's anointed. But please, take now the spear and the jug of water that are by his head, and let us go." | |
| Genesis 37:21-22 But Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands, and said, "Let us not kill him." {22} And Reuben said to them, "Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him"; that he might deliver him out of their hands, and bring him back to his father. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include just defence of others against violence, Ps. 82:4; Prov. 24:11-12; 1 Sam. 14:45
| Psalms 82:4 Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked. | |
| Proverbs 24:11-12 Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. {12} If you say, "Surely we did not know this," Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds? | |
| 1 Samuel 14:45 But the people said to Saul, "Shall Jonathan die, who has accomplished this great deliverance in Israel? Certainly not! As the LORD lives, not one hair of his head shall fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day." So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include patient bearing of the hand of God, James 5:7-11; Heb. 12:9
| James 5:7-11 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. {8} You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. {9} Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! {10} My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. {11} Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord; that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. | |
| Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include quietness of mind, 1 Thess. 4:11; 1 Pet. 3:3-4; Ps. 37:8-11
| 1 Thessalonians 4:11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, | |
| 1 Peter 3:3-4 Do not let your adornment be merely outward; arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel; {4} rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God | |
| Psalm 37:8-11 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it only causes harm. {9} For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth. {10} For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more. {11} But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include cheerfulness of spirit; Prov. 17:22
| Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include a sober use of meat, Prov. 25:16, 27
| Proverbs 25:16 Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit. {27} It is not good to eat much honey; So to seek one's own glory is not glory. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include a sober use of drink, 1 Tim. 5:23
| 1 Timothy 5:23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include a sober use of physic, [medicine] Isa. 38:21
| Isaiah 38:21 Now Isaiah had said, "Let them take a lump of figs, and apply it as a poultice on the boil, and he shall recover." |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include a sober use of sleep, Ps. 127:2
| Psalms 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include a sober use of labour, Eccl. 5:12; 2 Thess. 3:10, 12; Prov. 16:20
| Ecclesiastes 5:12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, Whether he eats little or much; But the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep. | |
| 2 Thessalonians 3:10,12 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. {12} Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. | |
| Proverbs 16:26 The person who labors, labors for himself, For his hungry mouth drives him on. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include a sober use of recreations; Eccl. 3:4, 11
| Ecclesiastes 3:4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; {11} He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include charitable thoughts toward others, 1 Sam. 19:4-5; 1 Sam. 22:13-14
| 1 Samuel 19:4-5 Thus Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father, and said to him, "Let not the king sin against his servant, against David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his works have been very good toward you. {5} "For he took his life in his hands and killed the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great deliverance for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood, to kill David without a cause?" | |
| 1 Samuel 22:13-14 Then Saul said to him, "Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in that you have given him bread and a sword, and have inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as it is this day?" {14} So Ahimelech answered the king and said, "And who among all your servants is as faithful as David, who is the king's son-in-law, who goes at your bidding, and is honorable in your house? |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include love, Rom. 13:10
| Romans 13:10 Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include compassion, Luke 10:33-34
| Luke 10:33-34 "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. {34} "So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include meekness, gentleness, kindness; Col. 3:12-13
| Colossians 3:12-13 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; {13} bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include peaceable speeches and behaviour, James 3:17
| James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include mild and courteous speeches and behaviour; 1 Pet. 3:8-11; Prov. 15:1; Judges 8:1-3
| 1 Peter 3:8-11 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; {9} not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. {10} For "He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. {11} Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. | |
| Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. | |
| Judges 8:1-3 Now the men of Ephraim said to him, "Why have you done this to us by not calling us when you went to fight with the Midianites?" And they reprimanded him sharply. {2} So he said to them, "What have I done now in comparison with you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer? {3} "God has delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. And what was I able to do in comparison with you?" Then their anger toward him subsided when he said that. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include forbearance, readiness to be reconciled, patient bearing and forgiving of injuries, and requiting good for evil; Matt. 5:24; Eph. 5:2, 32; Rom. 12:17
| Matthew 5:24 "leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. | |
| Ephesians 5:2,32 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. {32} This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. | |
| Romans 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. |
The duties required in the sixth commandment include comforting and succouring the distressed and protecting and defending the innocent. 1 Thess. 5:14; Job 31:19-20; Matt. 25:35-36; Prov. 31:8-9
| 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. | |
| Job 31:19-20 If I have seen anyone perish for lack of clothing, Or any poor man without covering; {20} If his heart has not blessed me, And if he was not warmed with the fleece of my sheep; | |
| Matthew 25:35-36 'for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; {36} 'I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' | |
| Proverbs 31:8-9 Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die. {9} Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy. |
Q. 136. What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment?
A. A sin forbidden in the sixth commandment is, all taking away the life of ourselves, Acts 16:28
| Acts 16:28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here." |
A sin forbidden in the sixth commandment is, all taking away the life of others, Gen. 9:6
| Genesis 9:6 "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man. |
A sin forbidden in the sixth commandment is, all taking away the life others except in case of public justice, Num. 35:31, 33
A sin forbidden in the sixth commandment is, all taking away the life of others except in case of lawful war, Jer. 48:10; Deut. 20:1
A sin forbidden in the sixth commandment is, all taking away the life of others except in case of necessary defence; Exod. 22:2-3
| Exodus 22:2-3 "If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed. {3} "If the sun has risen on him, there shall be guilt for his bloodshed. He should make full restitution; if he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. |
The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment include the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life; Matt. 25:42-43; James 2:15-16; Eccl. 6:1-2
| Matthew 25:42-43 'for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; {43} 'I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.' | |
| James 2:15-16 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, {16} and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? | |
| Ecclesiastes 6:1-2 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men: {2} A man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor, so that he lacks nothing for himself of all he desires; yet God does not give him power to eat of it, but a foreigner consumes it. This is vanity, and it is an evil affliction. |
The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment include sinful anger, Matt. 5:22
| Matthew 5:22 "But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire. |
The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment include hatred, 1 John 3:15; Lev. 19:17
| 1 John 3:15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. | |
| Leviticus 19:17 'You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. |
The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment include envy, Prov. 14:30
| Proverbs 14:30 A sound heart is life to the body, But envy is rottenness to the bones. |
The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment include desire of revenge; Rom. 12:19
| Romans 12:19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. |
The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment include all excessive passions, Eph. 4:31
| Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. |
The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment include distracting cares; Matt. 6:31, 34
| Matthew 6:31 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' {34} "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. |
The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment include immoderate use of meat, drink, Luke 21:34; Rom. 13:13
| Luke 21:34 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. | |
| Romans 13:13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. |
The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment include immoderate use of labor, Eccl. 12:12; Eccl. 2:22-23
| Ecclesiastes 12:12 And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. | |
| Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart with which he has toiled under the sun? {23} For all his days are sorrowful, and his work burdensome; even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity. |
The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment include immoderate use of recreations; Isa. 5:12
| Isaiah 5:12 The harp and the strings, The tambourine and flute, And wine are in their feasts; But they do not regard the work of the LORD, Nor consider the operation of His hands. |
The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment include provoking words, Prov. 15:1; Prov. 12:18
| Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. | |
| Proverbs 12:18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. |
The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment include oppression, Ezek. 18:18; Exod. 1:14
| Ezekiel 18:18 "As for his father, Because he cruelly oppressed, Robbed his brother by violence, And did what is not good among his people, Behold, he shall die for his iniquity. | |
| Exodus 1:14 And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage; in mortar, in brick, and in all manner of service in the field. All their service in which they made them serve was with rigor. |
The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment include quarreling, Gal. 5:15; Prov. 23:29
| Galatians 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! | |
| Proverbs 23:29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? |
The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment include striking, wounding, Num. 35:16-18, 21
| Numbers 35:16-18,21 'But if he strikes him with an iron implement, so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death. {17} 'And if he strikes him with a stone in the hand, by which one could die, and he does die, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death. {18} 'Or if he strikes him with a wooden hand weapon, by which one could die, and he does die, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death. {21} 'or in enmity he strikes him with his hand so that he dies, the one who struck him shall surely be put to death. He is a murderer. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meets him. |
The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment include whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any. Exod. 21:18 to the end
| Exodus 21 {18} "If men contend with each other, and one strikes the other with a stone or with his fist, and he does not die but is confined to his bed, {19} "if he rises again and walks about outside with his staff, then he who struck him shall be acquitted. He shall only pay for the loss of his time, and shall provide for him to be thoroughly healed. | |
| {20} "And if a man beats his male or female servant with a rod, so that he dies under his hand, he shall surely be punished. {21} "Notwithstanding, if he remains alive a day or two, he shall not be punished; for he is his property. | |
| {22} "If men fight, and hurt a woman with child, so that she gives birth prematurely, yet no harm follows, he shall surely be punished accordingly as the woman's husband imposes on him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. {23} "But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, {24} "eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, {25} "burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. | |
| {26} "If a man strikes the eye of his male or female servant, and destroys it, he shall let him go free for the sake of his eye. {27} "And if he knocks out the tooth of his male or female servant, he shall let him go free for the sake of his tooth. | |
| {28} "If an ox gores a man or a woman to death, then the ox shall surely be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be acquitted. {29} "But if the ox tended to thrust with its horn in times past, and it has been made known to his owner, and he has not kept it confined, so that it has killed a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned and its owner also shall be put to death. {30} "If there is imposed on him a sum of money, then he shall pay to redeem his life, whatever is imposed on him. {31} "Whether it has gored a son or gored a daughter, according to this judgment it shall be done to him. {32} "If the ox gores a male or female servant, he shall give to their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned. | |
| {33} "And if a man opens a pit, or if a man digs a pit and does not cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls in it, {34} "the owner of the pit shall make it good; he shall give money to their owner, but the dead animal shall be his. | |
| {35} "If one man's ox hurts another's, so that it dies, then they shall sell the live ox and divide the money from it; and the dead ox they shall also divide. {36} "Or if it was known that the ox tended to thrust in time past, and its owner has not kept it confined, he shall surely pay ox for ox, and the dead animal shall be his own. |
Toward a Searching and Fearless Moral InventoryHave I Obeyed the Seventh Commandment? |
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The Westminster Larger Catechism (1648) explains our duties under the Seventh Commandment.
First, you must agree that the Catechism has correctly explained the implications of the Commandment. Assuming it has, you must agree with God that you are obligated to carry out those principles in your life. This page is a checklist for you to discern your agreement.
Second you must ask yourself if you have violated each aspect of the command.
Third, you must take steps to develop the Character of Christ, and eliminate "character defects" from your life.
If you do not understand the Scripture proof-text after reading the pages above, write to me.
2. If you understand the Scripture text, but do not agree that the duty spelled out is in fact commanded to God, explain to me why not. I'm open-minded. In fact, you will find several places where I have already indicated my disagreement with the Catechism. On the whole, however, I think the Catechism is amazing in its accuracy.
3. If you can think of other duties which might be meaningful in the lives of others, please send them to me so I can include them here as well.
Question 137: Which is the seventh commandment?
Answer: The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Question 138: What are the duties required in the seventh commandment?
Answer: The duties required in the seventh commandment are, chastity in body, mind, affections, words, and behavior; and the preservation of it in ourselves and others; watchfulness over the eyes and all the senses; temperance, keeping of chaste company, modesty in apparel; marriage by those that have not the gift of continency, conjugal love, and cohabitation; diligent labor in our callings; shunning all occasions of uncleanness, and resisting temptations thereunto.
Question 139: What are the sins forbidden in the seventh commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the seventh commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required, are, adultery, fornication, rape, incest, sodomy, and all unnatural lusts; all unclean imaginations, thoughts, purposes, and affections;all corrupt or filthy communications, or listening thereunto; wanton looks, impudent or light behavior, immodest apparel; prohibiting of lawful, and dispensing with unlawful marriages; allowing, tolerating, keeping of stews, and resorting to them; entangling vows of single life, undue delay of marriage; having more wives or husbands than one at the same time; unjust divorce, or desertion; idleness, gluttony, drunkenness, unchaste
company; lascivious songs, books, pictures, dancings, stage plays; and all other provocations to, or acts of uncleanness, either in ourselves or others.
Q. 137. Which is the seventh commandment?
A. The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Exodus 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Q. 138. What are the duties required in the seventh commandment?
A. The duties required in the seventh commandment is, chastity in body, mind, affections, 1 Thess. 4:4; Job 31:1; 1 Cor. 7:34
| 1 Thessalonians 4:4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, | |
| Job 31:1 "I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman? | |
| 1 Corinthians 7:34 There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world; how she may please her husband. |
A duty required in the seventh commandment is, chastity in words, Col. 4:6
| Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. |
A duty required in the seventh commandment is, chastity in behavior; 1 Pet. 3:2
| 1 Pet 3:2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. |
A duty required in the seventh commandment is, the preservation of chastity in ourselves and others; 1 Cor. 7:2, 35-36
| 1 Corinthians 7:2 Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. {35} And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction. {36} But if any man thinks he is behaving improperly toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of youth, and thus it must be, let him do what he wishes. He does not sin; let them marry. |
A duty required in the seventh commandment is, watchfulness over the eyes and all the senses; Job 31:1
| Job 31:1 "I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman? |
A duty required in the seventh commandment is, temperance, Acts 24:24-25
| Acts 24:24-25 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. {25} Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix trembled |
A duty required in the seventh commandment is, keeping of chaste company, Prov. 2:16-20
| Proverbs 2:16-20 To deliver you from the immoral woman, From the seductress who flatters with her words, {17} Who forsakes the companion of her youth, And forgets the covenant of her God. {18} For her house leads down to death, And her paths to the dead; {19} None who go to her return, Nor do they regain the paths of life; {20} So you may walk in the way of goodness, And keep to the paths of righteousness. |
A duty required in the seventh commandment is, modesty in apparel; 1 Tim. 2:9
| 1 Timothy 2:9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, |
A duty required in the seventh commandment is, marriage by those that have not the gift of continency, 1 Cor. 7:2, 9
| 1 Corinthians 7:2 Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. {9} but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. |
A duty required in the seventh commandment is, conjugal love, Prov. 5:19-20
| Proverbs 5:19-20 As a loving deer and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; And always be enraptured with her love. {20} For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, And be embraced in the arms of a seductress? |
A duty required in the seventh commandment is, and cohabitation; 1 Pet. 3:7
| 1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. |
A duty required in the seventh commandment is, diligent labor in our callings; Prov. 31:11, 27-28
| Proverbs 31:11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. {27} She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. {28} Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: |
A duty required in the seventh commandment is, shunning all occasions of uncleanness, and resisting temptations thereunto. Prov. 5:8; Gen. 39:8-10
| Proverbs 5:8 Remove your way far from her, And do not go near the door of her house, | |
| Genesis 39:8-10 But he refused and said to his master's wife, "Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. {9} "There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" {10} So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not heed her, to lie with her or to be with her. |
Q. 139. What are the sins forbidden in the seventh commandment?
A. The sins forbidden in the seventh commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required, Prov. 5:7
| Proverbs 5:7 Therefore hear me now, my children, And do not depart from the words of my mouth. |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment, are, adultery, Heb. 13:4;
| Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment, are, fornication, Gal. 5:19
| Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, rape, 2 Sam. 13:14;
| 2 Samuel 13:14 However, he would not heed her voice; and being stronger than she, he forced her and lay with her. |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, incest, 1 Cor. 5:1 [see also below under "unlawful marriages"]
| 1 Corinthians 5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles; that a man has his father's wife! |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, sodomy, and all unnatural lusts; Rom. 1:24, 26-27; Lev. 20:15-16
| Romans 1:24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, {26} For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. {27} Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. | |
| Leviticus 20:15-16 'If a man mates with an animal, he shall surely be put to death, and you shall kill the animal. {16} 'If a woman approaches any animal and mates with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood is upon them. |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, all unclean imaginations, thoughts, purposes, and affections; Matt. 5:28; Matt. 15:19; Col. 3:5
| Matthew 5:28 "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. | |
| Matthew 15:19 "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. | |
| Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, all corrupt or filthy communications, or listening thereunto; Eph. 5:3-4; Prov. 7:5, 21-22
| Ephesians 5:3-4 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; {4} neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. | |
| Proverbs 7:5 That they may keep you from the immoral woman, From the seductress who flatters with her words. {21} With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, With her flattering lips she seduced him. {22} Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, wanton looks, Isa. 3:16; 2 Pet. 2:14
| Isaiah 3:16 Moreover the LORD says: "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, And walk with outstretched necks And wanton eyes, Walking and mincing as they go, Making a jingling with their feet, | |
| 2 Peter 2:14 having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, impudent or light behaviour, immodest apparel; Prov. 7:10, 13
| Proverbs 7:10 And there a woman met him, With the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart. {13} So she caught him and kissed him; With an impudent face she said to him: |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, prohibiting of lawful [marriages], 1 Tim. 4:3
| 1 Timothy 4:3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, dispensing with unlawful marriages; Lev. 18:1-21; Mark 6:18; Mal. 2:11-12
| Leviticus 18:1-21 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, {2} "Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: 'I am the LORD your God. {3} 'According to the doings of the land of Egypt, where you dwelt, you shall not do; and according to the doings of the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you, you shall not do; nor shall you walk in their ordinances. {4} 'You shall observe My judgments and keep My ordinances, to walk in them: I am the LORD your God. {5} 'You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the LORD. {6} 'None of you shall approach anyone who is near of kin to him, to uncover his nakedness: I am the LORD. {7} 'The nakedness of your father or the nakedness of your mother you shall not uncover. She is your mother; you shall not uncover her nakedness. {8} 'The nakedness of your father's wife you shall not uncover; it is your father's nakedness. {9} 'The nakedness of your sister, the daughter of your father, or the daughter of your mother, whether born at home or elsewhere, their nakedness you shall not uncover. {10} 'The nakedness of your son's daughter or your daughter's daughter, their nakedness you shall not uncover; for theirs is your own nakedness. {11} 'The nakedness of your father's wife's daughter, begotten by your father; she is your sister; you shall not uncover her nakedness. {12} 'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's sister; she is near of kin to your father. {13} 'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's sister, for she is near of kin to your mother. {14} 'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's brother. You shall not approach his wife; she is your aunt. {15} 'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your daughter-in-law; she is your son's wife; you shall not uncover her nakedness. {16} 'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother's wife; it is your brother's nakedness. {17} 'You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, nor shall you take her son's daughter or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness. They are near of kin to her. It is wickedness. {18} 'Nor shall you take a woman as a rival to her sister, to uncover her nakedness while the other is alive. {19} 'Also you shall not approach a woman to uncover her nakedness as long as she is in her customary impurity. {20} 'Moreover you shall not lie carnally with your neighbor's wife, to defile yourself with her. {21} 'And you shall not let any of your descendants pass through the fire to Molech, nor shall you profane the name of your God: I am the LORD. |
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| Mark 6:18 For John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." | |
| Malachi 2:11-12 Judah has dealt treacherously, And an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem, For Judah has profaned The Lord's holy institution which He loves: He has married the daughter of a foreign god. {12} May the LORD cut off from the tents of Jacob The man who does this, being awake and aware, Yet who brings an offering to the LORD of hosts! |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, allowing, tolerating, keeping of stews, and resorting to them; 1 Kings 15:12; 2 Kings 23:7; Deut. 23:17-18; Lev. 19:29; Jer. 5:7; Prov. 7:24-27
| 1 Kings 15:12 And he banished the perverted persons from the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. | |
| 2 Kings 23:7 Then he tore down the ritual booths of the perverted persons that were in the house of the LORD, where the women wove hangings for the wooden image. | |
| Deuteronomy 23:17-18 "There shall be no ritual harlot of the daughters of Israel, or a perverted one of the sons of Israel. {18} "You shall not bring the wages of a harlot or the price of a dog to the house of the LORD your God for any vowed offering, for both of these are an abomination to the LORD your God. | |
| Leviticus 19:29 'Do not prostitute your daughter, to cause her to be a harlot, lest the land fall into harlotry, and the land become full of wickedness. | |
| Jeremiah 5:7 "How shall I pardon you for this? Your children have forsaken Me And sworn by those that are not gods. When I had fed them to the full, Then they committed adultery And assembled themselves by troops in the harlots' houses. | |
| Proverbs 7:24-27 Now therefore, listen to me, my children; Pay attention to the words of my mouth: {25} Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths; {26} For she has cast down many wounded, And all who were slain by her were strong men. {27} Her house is the way to hell, Descending to the chambers of death. |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, entangling vows of single life, Matt. 19:10-11
| Matthew 19:10-11 His disciples said to Him, "If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry." {11} But He said to them, "All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given: |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, undue delay of marriage, 1 Cor. 7:7-9; Gen. 38:26
| 1 Corinthians 7:7-9 For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. {8} But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; {9} but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. | |
| Genesis 38:26 So Judah acknowledged them and said, "She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah my son." And he never knew her again. |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, having more wives or husbands than one at the same time; Mal. 2:14-15; Matt. 19:5
| Malachi 2:14-15 Yet you say, "For what reason?" Because the LORD has been witness Between you and the wife of your youth, With whom you have dealt treacherously; Yet she is your companion And your wife by covenant. {15} But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit, And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth. | |
| Matthew 19:5 "and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, unjust divorce, Mal. 2:16; Matt. 5:32
| Malachi 2:16 "For the LORD God of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one's garment with violence," Says the LORD of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously." | |
| Matthew 5:32 "But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery. |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, or desertion; 1 Cor. 7:12-13
| 1 Corinthians 7:12-13 But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. {13} And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, idleness, gluttony, drunkenness, Ezek. 16:49; Prov. 23:30-33
| Proverbs 23:30-33 Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine. {31} Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it swirls around smoothly; {32} At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper. {33} Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things. | |
| Ezekiel 16:49 "Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, unchaste company; Gen. 39:10; Prov. 5:8
| (Genesis 39:10) And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. | |
| Proverbs 5:8 Remove your way far from her, And do not go near the door of her house, |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, lascivious songs, books, pictures, dancings, stage plays; Eph. 5:4; Ezek. 23:14-16; Isa. 23:15-17; Isa. 3:16; Mark 6:22; Rom. 13:13; 1 Pet. 4:3
| Ephesians 5:4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. | |
| Ezekiel 23:14-16 But she increased her harlotry; She looked at men portrayed on the wall, Images of Chaldeans portrayed in vermilion, {15} Girded with belts around their waists, Flowing turbans on their heads, All of them looking like captains, In the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, The land of their nativity. {16} As soon as her eyes saw them, She lusted for them And sent messengers to them in Chaldea. | |
| Isaiah 23:15-17 Now it shall come to pass in that day that Tyre will be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king. At the end of seventy years it will happen to Tyre as in the song of the harlot: {16} "Take a harp, go about the city, You forgotten harlot; Make sweet melody, sing many songs, That you may be remembered." {17} And it shall be, at the end of seventy years, that the LORD will visit Tyre. She will return to her hire, and commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world on the face of the earth. | |
| Isaiah 3:16 Moreover the LORD says: "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, And walk with outstretched necks And wanton eyes, Walking and mincing as they go, Making a jingling with their feet, | |
| Mark 6:22 And when Herodias' daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, "Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you." | |
| Romans 13:13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. | |
| 1 Peter 4:3 For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles; when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. |
A sin forbidden in the seventh commandment is, and all other provocations to, or acts of uncleanness, either in ourselves or others. 2 Kings 9:30; Jer. 4:30; Ezek. 23:40
| 2 Kings 9:30 Now when Jehu had come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she put paint on her eyes and adorned her head, and looked through a window. | |
| Jeremiah 4:30 "And when you are plundered, What will you do? Though you clothe yourself with crimson, Though you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold, Though you enlarge your eyes with paint, In vain you will make yourself fair; Your lovers will despise you; They will seek your life. | |
| Ezekiel 23:40 "Furthermore you sent for men to come from afar, to whom a messenger was sent; and there they came. And you washed yourself for them, painted your eyes, and adorned yourself with ornaments. |
A Politician's "Searching and Fearless Moral Inventory"Have I Obeyed the Eighth Commandment? |
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The Bible says "Thou shalt not steal." Modern Man adds, "except by majority vote."
The Bible and our culture are moving in diametrically opposed directions. The policies we vote for are policies we employ in our personal lives, at home, school, and business.
The Westminster Larger Catechism (1648) explains our duties under the Eighth Commandment.
First, you must agree that the Catechism has correctly explained the implications of the Commandment. Assuming it has, you must agree with God that you are obligated to carry out those principles in your life. This page is a checklist for you to discern your agreement.
Second you must ask yourself if you have violated each aspect of the command.
Third, you must take steps to develop the Character of Christ, and eliminate "character defects" from your life.
If you do not understand the Scripture proof-text after reading the pages above, write to me.
2. If you understand the Scripture text, but do not agree that the duty spelled out is in fact commanded to God, explain to me why not. I'm open-minded. In fact, you will find several places where I have already indicated my disagreement with the Catechism. On the whole, however, I think the Catechism is amazing in its accuracy.
3. If you can think of other duties which might be meaningful in the lives of others, please send them to me so I can include them here as well.
Question 140: Which is the eighth commandment?
Answer: The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.
Question 141: What are the duties required in the eighth commandment?
Answer: The duties required in the eighth commandment are, truth, faithfulness, and justice in contracts and commerce between man and man; rendering to everyone his due; restitution of goods unlawfully detained from the right owners thereof; giving and lending freely, according to our abilities, and the necessities of others; moderation of our judgments, wills, and affections concerning worldly goods; a provident care and study to get, keep, use, and dispose these things which are necessary and convenient for the sustentation of our nature, and suitable to our condition; a lawful calling, and diligence in it; frugality; avoiding unnecessary lawsuits and
suretyship, or other like engagements; and an endeavor, by all just and lawful means, to procure, preserve, and further the wealth and outward estate of others, as well as our own.
Question 142: What are the sins forbidden in the eighth commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the eighth commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required, are, theft, robbery, man_stealing, and receiving anything that is stolen; fraudulent dealing, false weights and measures, removing land marks, injustice and unfaithfulness in contracts between man and man, or in matters of trust; oppression, extortion, usury, bribery, vexatious lawsuits, unjust enclosures and depopulations; engrossing commodities to enhance the price; unlawful callings, and all other unjust or sinful ways of taking or withholding from our neighbor: What belongs to him, or of enriching ourselves; covetousness; inordinate prizing and affecting worldly
goods; distrustful and distracting cares and studies in getting, keeping, and using them; envying at the prosperity of others; as likewise idleness, prodigality, wasteful gaming; and all other ways whereby we do unduly prejudice our own outward estate, and defrauding ourselves of the due use and comfort of that estate which God has given us.
Q. 140. Which is the eighth commandment?
A. The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal. Exod. 20:15
Q. 141. What are the duties required in the eighth commandment?
A. The duties required in the eighth commandment are, truth, faithfulness, and justice in contracts and commerce between man and man; Ps. 15:2, 4; Zech. 7:4, 10; Zech. 8:16-17
| Psalms 15:2 He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; {4} In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the LORD; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; | |
| Zechariah 7:4 Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying, {10} Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, The alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart Against his brother.' | |
| Zechariah 8:16-17 These are the things you shall do: Speak each man the truth to his neighbor; Give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace; {17} Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor; And do not love a false oath. For all these are things that I hate,' Says the LORD." |
A duty required in the eighth commandment is, rendering to everyone his due; restitution of goods unlawfully detained from the right owners thereof; Lev. 6:2-5; Luke 19:8
| Leviticus 6:2-5 "If a person sins and commits a trespass against the LORD by lying to his neighbor about what was delivered to him for safekeeping, or about a pledge, or about a robbery, or if he has extorted from his neighbor, {3} "or if he has found what was lost and lies concerning it, and swears falsely; in any one of these things that a man may do in which he sins: {4} "then it shall be, because he has sinned and is guilty, that he shall restore what he has stolen, or the thing which he has extorted, or what was delivered to him for safekeeping, or the lost thing which he found, {5} "or all that about which he has sworn falsely. He shall restore its full value, add one-fifth more to it, and give it to whomever it belongs, on the day of his trespass offering. | |
| Luke 19:8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold." |
A duty required in the eighth commandment is, giving and lending freely, according to our abilities, and the necessities of others; Luke 6:30, 38; 1 John 3:17; Eph. 4:28; Gal. 6:10
| Luke 6:30,38 "Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. {38} "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." | |
| 1 John 3:17 But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? | |
| Ephesians 4:28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. | |
| Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. |
A duty required in the eighth commandment is, moderation of our judgments, wills, and affections concerning worldly goods; 1 Tim. 6:6-9; Gal. 6:14
| 1 Timothy 6:6-9 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. {7} For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. {8} And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. {9} But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. | |
| Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. |
A duty required in the eighth commandment is, a provident care and study to get, these things which are necessary and convenient for the sustentation of our nature, and suitable to our condition; 1 Tim. 5:8
| 1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. |
A duty required in the eighth commandment is, a provident care and study to keep, use, and dispose these things which are necessary and convenient for the sustentation of our nature, and suitable to our condition; Prov. 27:23-27; Eccl. 2:24; Eccl. 3:12-13; 1 Tim. 6:17-18; Isa. 38:1; Matt. 11:8
| Proverbs 27:23-27 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds; {24} For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. {25} When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, {26} The lambs will provide your clothing, And the goats the price of a field; {27} You shall have enough goats' milk for your food, For the food of your household, And the nourishment of your maidservants. | |
| Ecclesiastes 2:24 Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God. | |
| Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, {13} and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor; it is the gift of God. | |
| 1 Timothy 6:17-18 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. {18} Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, | |
| Isaiah 38:1 In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, "Thus says the LORD: 'Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.'" | |
| Matthew 11:8 "But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. |
A duty required in the eighth commandment is, a lawful calling, 1 Cor. 7:20; Gen. 2:15; Gen. 3:19
| 1 Corinthians 7:20 Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. | |
| Genesis 2:15 Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. | |
| Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return." |
A duty required in the eighth commandment is, a lawful calling, and diligence in it; Eph. 4:28; Prov. 10:4
| Ephesians 4:28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. | |
| Proverbs 10:4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich. |
A duty required in the eighth commandment is, frugality; John 6:12; Prov. 21:20
| John 6:12 So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost." | |
| Proverbs 21:20 There is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it. |
A duty required in the eighth commandment is, avoiding unnecessary lawsuits, 1 Cor. 6:1-9
| 1 Corinthians 6:1-9 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? {2} Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? {3} Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? {4} If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? {5} I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren? {6} But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers! {7} Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? {8} No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do these things to your brethren! {9} Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, |
A duty required in the eighth commandment is, suretiship, or other like engagements; Prov. 6:1-6; Prov. 11:15
| Proverbs 6:1-6 My son, if you become surety for your friend, If you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, {2} You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth. {3} So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; For you have come into the hand of your friend: Go and humble yourself; Plead with your friend. {4} Give no sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids. {5} Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, And like a bird from the hand of the fowler. {6} Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, | |
| Proverbs 11:15 He who is surety for a stranger will suffer, But one who hates being surety is secure. |
A duty required in the eighth commandment is, an endeavor, by all just and lawful means, to procure, preserve, and further the wealth and outward estate of others, as well as our own. Lev. 25:35; Deut. 22:1-4; Exod. 23:4-5; Gen. 47:14, 20; Phil. 2:4; Matt. 22:39
| Leviticus 25:35 'If one of your brethren becomes poor, and falls into poverty among you, then you shall help him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you. | |
| Deuteronomy 22:1-4 "You shall not see your brother's ox or his sheep going astray, and hide yourself from them; you shall certainly bring them back to your brother. {2} "And if your brother is not near you, or if you do not know him, then you shall bring it to your own house, and it shall remain with you until your brother seeks it; then you shall restore it to him. {3} "You shall do the same with his donkey, and so shall you do with his garment; with any lost thing of your brother's, which he has lost and you have found, you shall do likewise; you must not hide yourself. {4} "You shall not see your brother's donkey or his ox fall down along the road, and hide yourself from them; you shall surely help him lift them up again. | |
| Exodus 23:4-5 "If you meet your enemy's ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again. {5} "If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying under its burden, and you would refrain from helping it, you shall surely help him with it. | |
| Genesis 47:14,20 And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which they bought; and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house. {20} Then Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for every man of the Egyptians sold his field, because the famine was severe upon them. So the land became Pharaoh's. | |
| Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. | |
| Matthew 22:39 "And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' |
Q. 142. What are the sins forbidden in the eighth commandment?
A. The sins forbidden in the eighth commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required, James 2:15-16; 1 John 3:17 are,
| James 2:15-16 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, {16} and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? | |
| 1 John 3:17 But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, theft, Eph. 4:28
| Ephesians 4:28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, robbery, Ps. 62:10
| Psalms 62:10 Do not trust in oppression, Nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, Do not set your heart on them. |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, man-stealing, 1 Tim 1:10
| 1 Timothy 1:10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, and receiving any thing that is stolen; Prov. 29:24; Ps. 50:18
| Proverbs 29:24 Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing. | |
| Psalms 50:18 When you saw a thief, you consented with him, And have been a partaker with adulterers. |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, fraudulent dealing, 1 Thess. 4:6
| 1 Thessalonians 4:6 that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, false weights and measures, Prov. 11:1; Prov. 20:10
| Proverbs 11:1 Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, But a just weight is His delight. | |
| Proverbs 20:10 Diverse weights and diverse measures, They are both alike, an abomination to the LORD. | |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, removing landmarks, Deut. 19:14; Prov. 23:10
| Deuteronomy 19:14 "You shall not remove your neighbor's landmark, which the men of old have set, in your inheritance which you will inherit in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess. | |
| Proverbs 23:10 Do not remove the ancient landmark, Nor enter the fields of the fatherless; |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, injustice and unfaithfulness in contracts between man and man, Amos 8:5; Ps. 37:21
| Amos 8:5 Saying: "When will the New Moon be past, That we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, That we may trade wheat? Making the ephah small and the shekel large, Falsifying the scales by deceit, | |
| Psalms 37:21 The wicked borrows and does not repay, But the righteous shows mercy and gives. |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, injustice and unfaithfulness in matters of trust; Luke 16:10-12
| Luke 16:10-12 "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. {11} "Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? {12} "And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own? |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, oppression, Ezek. 22:29; Lev. 25:17
| Ezekiel 22:29 "The people of the land have used oppressions, committed robbery, and mistreated the poor and needy; and they wrongfully oppress the stranger. | |
| Leviticus 25:17 'Therefore you shall not oppress one another, but you shall . . . |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, extortion, Matt. 23:25; Ezek. 22:12
| Matthew 23:25 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. | |
| Ezekiel 22:12 "In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take usury and increase; you have made profit from your neighbors by extortion, and have forgotten Me," says the Lord GOD. |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, usury, Ps. 15:5
| Psalms 15:5 He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved. |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, bribery, Job 15:34
| Job 15:34 For the company of hypocrites will be barren, And fire will consume the tents of bribery. |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, vexatious lawsuits, 1 Cor. 6:6-8; Prov. 3:29-30
| 1 Corinthians 6:6-8 But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers! {7} Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? {8} No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do these things to your brethren! | |
| Proverbs 3:29-30 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, For he dwells by you for safety's sake. {30} Do not strive with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm. |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, unjust inclosures and depopulations; Isa. 5:8; Micah 2:2
| Isaiah 5:8 Woe to those who join house to house; They add field to field, Till there is no place Where they may dwell alone in the midst of the land! | |
| Micah 2:2 They covet fields and take them by violence, Also houses, and seize them. So they oppress a man and his house, A man and his inheritance. |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, ingrossing commodities to enhance the price; Prov. 11:26
| Proverbs 11:26 The people will curse him who withholds grain, But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, unlawful callings, Acts 19:19, 24-25
| Acts 19:19,24-25 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. {24} For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen. {25} He called them together with the workers of similar occupation, and said: "Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, all other unjust or sinful ways of taking or withholding from our neighbour what belongs to him, or of enriching ourselves; Job 20:19; James 5:4; Prov. 21:6
| Job 20:19 For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor, He has violently seized a house which he did not build. | |
| James 5:4 Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. | |
| Proverbs 21:6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death. |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, covetousness; Luke 12:15
| Luke 12:15 And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, inordinate prizing and affecting worldly goods; 1 Tim. 6:5; Col. 3:2; Prov. 23:5; Ps. 62:10
| 1 Timothy 6:5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. | |
| Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. | |
| Proverbs 23:5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven. | |
| Psalm 62:10 Do not trust in oppression, Nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, Do not set your heart on them. |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, distrustful and distracting cares and studies in getting, keeping, and using them; Matt. 6:25, 31, 34; Eccl. 5:12
| Matthew 6:25,31,34 "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? {31} "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' {34} "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. | |
| Ecclesiastes 5:12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, Whether he eats little or much; But the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep. |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, envying at the prosperity of others; Ps. 73:3; Ps. 37:1, 7
| Psalms 73:3 For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. | |
| Psalms 37:1,7 Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. {7} Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, as likewise idleness, 2 Thess. 3:11; Prov. 18:9
| 2 Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. | |
| Proverbs 18:9 He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer. |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, prodigality, wasteful gaming; and all other ways whereby we do unduly prejudice our own outward estate, Prov. 21:17; Prov. 23:20-21; Prov. 28:19
| Proverbs 21:17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich. | |
| Proverbs 23:20-21 Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; {21} For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. | |
| Proverbs 28:19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! |
A sin forbidden in the eighth commandment is, defrauding ourselves of the due use and comfort of that estate which God hath given us. Eccl. 4:8; Eccl. 6:2; 1 Tim. 5:8
| Ecclesiastes 4:8 There is one alone, without companion: He has neither son nor brother. Yet there is no end to all his labors, Nor is his eye satisfied with riches. But he never asks, "For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?" This also is vanity and a grave misfortune. | |
| Ecclesiastes 6:2 A man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor, so that he lacks nothing for himself of all he desires; yet God does not give him power to eat of it, but a foreigner consumes it. This is vanity, and it is an evil affliction. | |
| 1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. |
Toward a Searching and Fearless Moral InventoryHave I Obeyed the Ninth Commandment? |
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The Westminster Larger Catechism (1648) explains our duties under the Ninth Commandment.
First, you must agree that the Catechism has correctly explained the implications of the Commandment. Assuming it has, you must agree with God that you are obligated to carry out those principles in your life. This page is a checklist for you to discern your agreement.
Second you must ask yourself if you have violated each aspect of the command.
Third, you must take steps to develop the Character of Christ, and eliminate "character defects" from your life.
If you do not understand the Scripture proof-text after reading the pages above, write to me.
2. If you understand the Scripture text, but do not agree that the duty spelled out is in fact commanded to God, explain to me why not. I'm open-minded. In fact, you will find several places where I have already indicated my disagreement with the Catechism. On the whole, however, I think the Catechism is amazing in its accuracy.
3. If you can think of other duties which might be meaningful in the lives of others, please send them to me so I can include them here as well.
Question 143: Which is the ninth commandment?
Answer: The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Question 144: What are the duties required in the ninth commandment?
Answer: The duties required in the ninth commandment are, the preserving and promoting of truth between man and man, and the good name of our neighbor, as well as our own; appearing and standing for the truth; and from the heart, sincerely, freely, clearly, and fully, speaking the truth, and only the truth, in matters of judgment and justice, and in all other things: Whatsoever; a charitable esteem of our neighbors; loving, desiring, and rejoicing in their good name; sorrowing for, and covering of their infirmities; freely acknowledging of their gifts and graces, defending their innocency; a ready receiving of a good report, and unwillingness to admit of an evil
report, concerning them; discouraging talebearers, flatterers, and slanderers; love and care of our own good name, and defending it when need requires; keeping of lawful promises; studying and practicing of: Whatsoever things are true, honest, lovely, and of good report.
Question 145: What are the sins forbidden in the ninth commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the ninth commandment are, all prejudicing the truth, and the good name of our neighbors, as well as our own, especially in public judicature; giving false evidence, suborning false witnesses, wittingly appearing and pleading for an evil cause, outfacing and overbearing the truth; passing unjust sentence, calling evil good, and good evil; rewarding the wicked according to the work of the righteous, and the righteous according to the work of the wicked; forgery, concealing the truth, undue silence in a just cause, and holding our peace when iniquity calls for either a reproof from ourselves, or complaint to others; speaking the truth
unseasonably, or maliciously to a wrong end, or perverting it to a wrong meaning, or in doubtful and equivocal expressions, to the prejudice of truth or justice;speaking untruth, lying, slandering, backbiting, detracting, tale bearing, whispering, scoffing, reviling, rash, harsh, and partial censuring; misconstructing intentions, words, and actions; flattering, vainglorious boasting, thinking or speaking too highly or too meanly of ourselves or others; denying the gifts and graces of God; aggravating smaller faults;hiding, excusing, or extenuating of sins, when called to a free confession;unnecessary discovering of infirmities; raising false rumors, receiving and
countenancing evil reports, and stopping our ears against just defense; evil suspicion; envying or grieving at the deserved credit of any, endeavoring or desiring to impair it, rejoicing in their disgrace and infamy; scornful contempt, fond admiration; breach of lawful promises; neglecting such things as are of good report, and practicing, or not avoiding ourselves, or not hindering: What we can in others, such things as procure an ill name.
Q. 143. Which is the ninth commandment?
A. The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Exod. 20:16
Q. 144. What are the duties required in the ninth commandment?
A. The duties required in the ninth commandment is, the preserving and promoting of truth between man and man, Zech. 8:16
| Zechariah 8:16 These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates: |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, the preserving and promoting of the good name of our neighbour, as well as our own; 3 John 12
| 3 John 1:12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, appearing and standing for the truth; Prov. 31:8-9
| Proverbs 31:8-9 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. {9} Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, appearing and standing for the truth; and from the heart, Ps. 15:2
| Psalm 15:2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, appearing and standing for the truth, sincerely, 2 Chron. 19:9
| 2 Chronicles 19:9 And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye do in the fear of the LORD, faithfully, and with a perfect heart. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, appearing and standing for the truth, freely, 1 Sam. 19:4-5
| 1 Samuel 19:4-5 And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good: {5} For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause? |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, appearing and standing for the truth, clearly, Josh. 7:19
| Joshua 7:19 And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the LORD God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, appearing and standing for the truth, and fully, 2 Sam. 14:18-20
| 2 Samuel 14:18-20 Then the king answered and said unto the woman, Hide not from me, I pray thee, the thing that I shall ask thee. And the woman said, Let my lord the king now speak. {19} And the king said, Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this? And the woman answered and said, As thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid: {20} To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, speaking the truth, and only the truth, in matters of judgment and justice, Lev. 19:15
| Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, speaking the truth, and only the truth, and in all other things whatsoever; 2 Cor. 1:17-18; Eph. 4:25
| 2 Corinthians 1:17-18 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? {18} But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. | |
| Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, a charitable esteem of our neighbours; Heb. 6:9; 1 Cor. 13:7
| Hebrews 6:9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. | |
| 1 Corinthians 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, loving, desiring, and rejoicing in their good name; Rom 1:8; 2 John 4; 3 John 3-4
| Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. | |
| 2 John 1:4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. | |
| 3 John 1:3-4 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. {4} I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, sorrowing for our neighbor's infirmities, 2 Cor. 2:4; 2 Cor. 12:21
| 2 Corinthians 2:4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. | |
| 2 Corinthians 12:21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, covering of their infirmities; Prov. 17:9; 1 Pet. 4:8
| Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. | |
| 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, freely acknowledging of their gifts and graces, 1 Cor. 1:4-5, 7; 2 Tim. 1:4-5
| 1 Corinthians 1:4-5,7 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; {5} That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; {7} So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: | |
| 2 Timothy 1:4-5 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; {5} When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, defending their innocency; 1 Sam. 22:14
| 1 Samuel 22:14 Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law, and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house? |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, a ready receiving of a good report, 1 Cor. 13:6-7
| 1 Corinthians 13:6-7 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; {7} Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, and unwillingness to admit of an evil report, Ps. 15:3 concerning them;
| Psalm 15:3 He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, discouraging tale-bearers, Prov. 25:23
| Proverbs 25:23 The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, flatterers, Prov. 26:24-25
| Proverbs 26:24-25 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; {25} When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, and slanderers; Ps. 101:5
| Psalm 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, love and care of our own good name, and defending it when need requireth; Prov. 22:1; John 8:49
| Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. | |
| John 8:49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, keeping of lawful promises; Ps. 15:4
| Psalm 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. |
A duty required in the ninth commandment is, studying and practicing of whatsoever things are true, honest, lovely, and of good report. Phil. 4:8
| Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. |
Q. 145. What are the sins forbidden in the ninth commandment?
A. The sins forbidden in the ninth commandment are, all prejudicing the truth, and the good name of our neighbours, as well as our own, 1 Sam. 17:28; 2 Sam. 16:3; 2 Sam. 1:9, 10, 15-16
| 1 Samuel 17:28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. | |
| 2 Samuel 16:3 And the king said, And where is thy master's son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, To day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father. | |
| 2 Samuel 1:9-10 He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, upon me, and slay me: for anguish is come upon me, because my life is yet whole in me. {10} So I stood upon him, and slew him, because I was sure that he could not live after that he was fallen: and I took the crown that was upon his head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them hither unto my lord. {15} And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, and fall upon him. And he smote him that he died. {16} And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, all prejudicing the truth, and the good name of our neighbours, as well as our own, especially in public judicature; Lev. 19:15; Hab. 1:4
| Leviticus 19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour. | |
| Habakkuk 1:4 Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, giving false evidence, Prov. 19:5; Prov. 6:16, 19
| Proverbs 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. | |
| Proverbs 6:16,19 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: {19} A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, suborning false witnesses, Acts 6:13
| Acts 6:13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, wittingly appearing and pleading for an evil cause, outfacing and overbearing the truth; Jer. 9:3, 5; Acts 24:2, 5; Ps. 12:3-4; Ps. 52:1-4
| Jeremiah 9:3,5 And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD. {5} And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity. | |
| Acts 24:2,5 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, {5} For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: | |
| Psalm 12:3-4 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: {4} Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? | |
| Psalm 52:1-4 To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually. {2} Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. {3} Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. {4} Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, passing unjust sentence, Prov. 17:15; 1 Kings 21:9-14, 10-11, 13
| Proverbs 17:15 He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD. | |
| 1 Kings 21:9-14 And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people: {10} And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die. {11} And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, and as it was written in the letters which she had sent unto them. {12} They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people. {13} And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died. {14} Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, calling evil good, and good evil; rewarding the wicked according to the work of the righteous, and the righteous according to the work of the wicked; Isa. 5:23
| Isaiah 5:23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, forgery, Ps. 119:69; Luke 19:8; Luke 16:5-7
| Psalm 119:69 The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. | |
| Luke 19:8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. | |
| Luke 16:5-7 So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? {6} And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. {7} Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, concealing the truth, undue silence in a just cause, Lev. 5:1; Deut. 13:8; Acts 5:3, 8-9; 2 Tim. 4:6
| Leviticus 5:1 And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity. | |
| Deuteronomy 13:8 Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: | |
| Acts 5:3,8-9 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? {8} And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. {9} Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. | |
| 2 Timothy 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, holding our peace when iniquity calleth for either a reproof from ourselves, 1 Kings 1:6; Lev. 19:17
| 1 Kings 1:6 And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also was a very goodly man; and his mother bare him after Absalom. | |
| Leviticus 19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, holding our peace when iniquity calleth for complaint to others; Isa. 59:4
| Isaiah 59:4 None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, speaking the truth unseasonably, Prov. 29:11
| Proverbs 29:11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, speaking the truth maliciously to a wrong end, 1 Sam. 22:9-10; Ps. 52:1-5
| 1 Samuel 22:9-10 Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. {10} And he inquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine. | |
| Psalm 52:1-5 To the chief Musician, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Ahimelech. Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually. {2} Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. {3} Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. {4} Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. {5} God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, or perverting the truth to a wrong meaning, Ps. 56:5; John 2:19; Matt. 26:60-61
| Psalm 56:5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil. | |
| John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. | |
| Matthew 26:60-61 But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, {61} And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, speaking the truth in doubtful and equivocal expressions, to the prejudice of truth or justice; Gen. 3:5; Gen. 26:7, 9
| Genesis 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. | |
| Genesis 26:7,9 And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon. {9} And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, Behold, of a surety she is thy wife: and how saidst thou, She is my sister? And Isaac said unto him, Because I said, Lest I die for her. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, speaking untruth, Isa. 59:13
| Isaiah 59:13 In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, lying, Lev. 19:11; Col. 3:9
| Leviticus 19:11 Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another. | |
| Colossians 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, slandering, Ps. 50:20
| Psalm 50:20 Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, backbiting, James 4:11; Jer. 38:4
| James 4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. | |
| Jeremiah 38:4 Therefore the princes said unto the king, We beseech thee, let this man be put to death: for thus he weakeneth the hands of the men of war that remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words unto them: for this man seeketh not the welfare of this people, but the hurt. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, detracting, tale bearing, Lev. 19:16
| Leviticus 19:16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbor: I am the Lord. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, whispering, Rom. 1:29-30
| Romans 1:29-30 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, {30} Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, scoffing, Gen. 21:9; Gal. 4:29
| Genesis 21:9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking. | |
| Galatians 4:29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, reviling, 1 Cor. 6:10
| 1 Corinthians 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, rash censuring, Matt. 7:1
| Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, harsh censuring, Acts 28:4
| Acts 28:4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, partial censuring; Gen. 38:24; Rom. 2:1
| Genesis 38:24 And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt. | |
| Romans 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, misconstructing intentions, words, and actions; Neh. 6:6-8; Rom. 3:8; Ps. 69:10; 1 Sam. 1:13-15; 2 Sam. 10:3
| Nehemiah 6:6-8 Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words. {7} And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together. {8} Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart. | |
| Romans 3:8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. | |
| Psalm 69:10 When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach | |
| 1 Samuel 1:13-15 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. {14} And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. {15} And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. | |
| 2 Samuel 10:3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it? |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, flattering, Ps. 12:2-3
| Psalm 12:2-3 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. {3} The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, vain-glorious boasting; 2 Tim. 3:2
| 2 Timothy 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, thinking or speaking too highly or too meanly of ourselves or others; Luke 18:9, 11; Rom. 12:16; 1 Cor. 4:6; Acts 12:22; Exod. 4:10-14
| Luke 18:9,11 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: {11} The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. | |
| Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. | |
| 1 Corinthians 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. | |
| Acts 12:22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. | |
| Exodus 4:10-14 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. {11} And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? {12} Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. {13} And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send. {14} And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, denying the gifts and graces of God; Job 27:5, 6; Job 4:6
| Job 27:5-6 God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. {6} My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live. | |
| Job 4:6 Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways? |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, aggravating smaller faults; Matt. 7:3-5
| Matthew 7:3-5 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? {4} Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? {5} Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, hiding, excusing, or extenuating of sins, when called to a free confession; Prov. 28:13; Prov. 30:20; Gen. 3:12-13; Jer. 2:35; 2 Kings 5:25; Gen. 4:9
| Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. | |
| Proverbs 30:20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness. | |
| Genesis 3:12-13 And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. {13} And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. | |
| Jeremiah 2:35 Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned. | |
| 2 Kings 5:25 But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither. | |
| Genesis 4:9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, unnecessary discovering of infirmities; Gen. 9:22; Prov. 25:9-10
| Genesis 9:22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without. | |
| Proverbs 25:9-10 Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: {10} Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, raising false rumors, Exod. 23:1
| Exodus 23:1 Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, receiving and countenancing evil reports, Prov. 29:12
| Proverbs 29:12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, and stopping our ears against just defense; Acts 7:56-57; Job 31:13-14
| Acts 7:56-57 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. {57} Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, | |
| Job 31:13-14 If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me; {14} What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him? |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, evil suspicion; 1 Cor. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:4
| 1 Corinthians 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; | |
| 1 Timothy 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, envying or grieving at the deserved credit of any, Num. 11:29; Matt. 21:15
| Numbers 11:29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them! | |
| Matthew 21:15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were sore displeased, |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, endeavoring or desiring to impair it, Ezra 4:12-13
| Ezra 4:12-13 Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations. {13} Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, rejoicing in their disgrace and infamy; Jer. 48:27
| Jeremiah 48:27 For was not Israel a derision unto thee? was he found among thieves? for since thou spakest of him, thou skippedst for joy. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, scornful contempt, Ps. 35:15-16, 21; Matt. 27:28-29
| Psalm 35:15-16,21 But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together: yea, the abjects gathered themselves together against me, and I knew it not; they did tear me, and ceased not: {16} With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth. {21} Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it. | |
| Matthew 27:28-29 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. {29} And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, fond admiration; Jude 16; Acts 12:22
| Jude 1:16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. | |
| Acts 12:22 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, breach of lawful promises; Rom. 1:31; 2 Tim. 3:3
| Romans 1:31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: | |
| 2 Timothy 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, neglecting such things as are of good report, 1 Sam. 2:24
| 1 Samuel 2:24 Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord's people to transgress. |
A sin forbidden in the ninth commandment is, practicing, or not avoiding ourselves, or not hindering what we can in others, such things as procure an ill name. 2 Sam. 13:12-13; Prov. 5:8-9; Prov. 6:33
| 2 Samuel 13:12-13 And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly. {13} And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee. | |
| Proverbs 5:8-9 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: {9} Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: | |
| Proverbs 6:33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. |
Toward a Searching and Fearless Moral InventoryHave I Obeyed the Tenth Commandment? |
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The Westminster Larger Catechism (1648) explains our duties under the Tenth Commandment.
First, you must agree that the Catechism has correctly explained the implications of the Commandment. Assuming it has, you must agree with God that you are obligated to carry out those principles in your life. This page is a checklist for you to discern your agreement.
Second you must ask yourself if you have violated each aspect of the command.
Third, you must take steps to develop the Character of Christ, and eliminate "character defects" from your life.
If you do not understand the Scripture proof-text after reading the pages above, write to me.
2. If you understand the Scripture text, but do not agree that the duty spelled out is in fact commanded to God, explain to me why not. I'm open-minded. In fact, you will find several places where I have already indicated my disagreement with the Catechism. On the whole, however, I think the Catechism is amazing in its accuracy.
3. If you can think of other duties which might be meaningful in the lives of others, please send them to me so I can include them here as well.
Question 146: Which is the tenth commandment?
Answer: The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's.
Question 147: What are the duties required in the tenth commandment?
Answer: The duties required in the tenth commandment are, such a full contentment with our own condition, and such a charitable frame of the whole soul toward our neighbor, as that all our inward motions and affections touching him, tend unto, and further all that good which is his.
Question 148: What are the sins forbidden in the tenth commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the tenth commandment are, discontentment with our own estate; envying and grieving at the good of our neighbor, together with all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his.
Question 149: Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?
Answer: No man is able, either of himself, or by any grace received in this life, perfectly to keep the commandments of God; but does daily break them in thought, word, and deed.
Q. 146. Which is the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shall not covet they neighbour's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. Exod 20:17
Q. 147. What are the duties required in the tenth commandment?
A. The duties required in the tenth commandment is, such a full contentment with our own condition, Heb. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:6
| Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." | |
| 1 Timothy 6:6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. |
and such a charitable frame of the whole soul toward our neighbour, as that all our inward motions and affections touching him, tend unto, and further all that good which is his. Job 31:29; Rom. 12:15; Ps. 122:7-9; 1 Tim. 1:5; Esth. 10:3; 1 Cor. 13:4-7
| Job 31:29 "If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me, Or lifted myself up when evil found him | |
| Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. | |
| Psalm 122:7-9 Peace be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces." {8} For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, "Peace be within you." {9} Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek your good. | |
| 1 Timothy 1:5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, | |
| Esther 10:3 For Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen. | |
| 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; {5} does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; {6} does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; {7} bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. |
Q. 148. What are the sins forbidden in the tenth commandment?
A. A sin forbidden in the tenth commandment is, discontentment with our own estate; 1 Kings 21:4; Esth. 5:13; 1 Cor. 10:10
| 1 Kings 21:4 So Ahab went into his house sullen and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him; for he had said, "I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers." And he lay down on his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no food. | |
| Esther 5:13 "Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate." | |
| 1 Corinthians 10:10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. |
envying Gal. 5:26; James 3:14, 16
| Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. | |
| James 3:14,16 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. {16} For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. |
and grieving at the good of our neighbour, Ps. 112:9-10; Neh. 2:10
| Psalms 112:9-10 He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted with honor. {10} The wicked will see it and be grieved; He will gnash his teeth and melt away; The desire of the wicked shall perish. | |
| Nehemiah 2:10 When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard of it, they were deeply disturbed that a man had come to seek the well-being of the children of Israel. |
together with all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his. Rom. 7:7-8; Rom. 13:9; Col. 3:5; Deut. 5:21
| Romans 7:7-8 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, "You shall not covet." {8} But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. | |
| Romans 13:9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." | |
| Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. | |
| Deuteronomy 5:21 'You shall not covet your neighbor's wife; and you shall not desire your neighbor's house, his field, his male servant, his female servant, his ox, his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.' |
Q. 103. Which is the first commandment?
Q. 104. What are the duties required in the first commandment?
Q. 105. What are the sins forbidden in the first commandment?
Q. 106. What are we specially taught by these words before me in the first commandment?
A. These words before me or before my face, in the first commandment, teach us, that God, who seeth all things, taketh special notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God: that so it may be an argument to dissuade from it, and to aggravate it as a most impudent provocation: Ezek. 8:5-6; Ps. 44:20-21
These words before Me or before My face, in the first commandment, teach us, that God, who seeth all things, taketh special notice of, and is much displeased with, the sin of having any other God: as to persuade us to do as in His sight, whatever we do in His service. 1 Chron. 28:9
Question 107: Which is the second commandment?
Answer: The second commandment is, Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Question 108: What are the duties required in the second commandment?
Answer: The duties required in the second commandment are, the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God has instituted in his Word; particularly prayer and thanksgiving in the name of Christ; the reading, preaching, and hearing of the Word; the administration and receiving of the sacraments; church government and discipline; the ministry and maintenance thereof; religious fasting; swearing by the name of God, and vowing unto him: as also the disapproving, detesting, opposing, all false worship; and, according to each one's place and calling, removing it, and all monuments of idolatry.
Question
109: What are the sins forbidden in the second commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the second commandment are, all devising, counseling, commanding, using, and anywise approving, any religious worship not instituted by God himself; tolerating a false religion; the making any representation of God, of all or of any of the three persons, either inwardly in our mind, or outwardly in any kind of image or likeness of any creature: Whatsoever; all worshiping of it, or God in it or by it; the making of any representation of feigned deities, and all worship of them, or service belonging to them; all superstitious devices, corrupting the worship of God, adding to it, or taking from it, whether invented and taken up of
ourselves, or received by tradition from others, though under the title of antiquity, custom, devotion, good intent, or any other pretense: Whatsoever; simony; sacrilege; all neglect, contempt, hindering, and opposing the worship and ordinances which God has appointed.
Question 110: What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment, the more to enforce it?
Answer: The reasons annexed to the second commandment, the more to enforce it, contained in these words, For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments; are, besides God's sovereignty over us, and propriety in us, his fervent zeal for his own worship, and his revengeful indignation against all false worship, as being a spiritual whoredom; accounting the breakers of this commandment such as hate him, and threatening to punish them unto divers generations; and esteeming the
observers of it such as love him and keep his commandments, and promising mercy to them unto many generations.
Q. 107. Which is the second commandment?
A. The second commandment is, Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. Exod. 20:4-5-6
Q. 108. What are the duties required in the second commandment?
Q. 109. What are the sins forbidden in the second commandment?
Q. 110. What are the reasons annexed to the second commandment, the more to enforce it?
A. The reasons annexed to the second commandment, the more to enforce it, contained in these words, For I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments;
are, besides God's sovereignty over us, and propriety in us, Ps. 45:11; Rev. 15:3-4
His fervent zeal for His own worship, Exod. 34:13-14
and His revengeful indignation against all false worship, as being a spiritual whoredom; 1 Cor. 10:20-22; Deut. 32:16-20
accounting the breakers of this commandment such as hate him, and threatening to punish them unto divers generations;
and esteeming the observers of it such as love him and keep his commandments, and promising mercy to them unto many generations. Deut. 5:29.
Question 111: Which is the third commandment?
Answer: The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain.
Question 112: What is required in the third commandment?
Answer: The third commandment requires, That the name of God, his titles, attributes, ordinances, the Word, sacraments, prayer, oaths, vows, lots, his works, and: Whatsoever else there is whereby he makes himself known, be holily and reverently used in thought, meditation, word, and writing; by an holy profession, and Answerable conversation, to the glory of God, and the good of ourselves, and others.
Question 113: What are the sins forbidden in the third commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the third commandment are, the not using of God's name as is required; and the abuse of it in an ignorant, vain, irreverent, profane, superstitious, or wicked mentioning, or otherwise using his titles, attributes, ordinances, or works, by blasphemy, perjury; all sinful cursings, oaths, vows, and lots; violating of our oaths and vows, if lawful; and fulfilling them, if of things unlawful; murmuring and quarreling at, curious prying into, and misapplying of God's decrees and providences; misinterpreting, misapplying, or any way perverting the Word, or any part of it, to profane jests, curious or unprofitable Questions, vain janglings,
or the maintaining of false doctrines; abusing it, the creatures, or anything contained under the name of God, to charms, or sinful lusts and practices; the maligning, scorning, reviling, or anywise opposing of God's truth, grace, and ways; making profession of religion in hypocrisy, or for sinister ends; being ashamed of it, or a shame to it, by unconformable, unwise, unfruitful, and offensive walking, or backsliding from it.
Question 114: What reasons are annexed to the third commandment?
Answer: The reasons annexed to the third commandment, in these words, The Lord thy God, and, For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes his name in vain, are, because he is the Lord and our God, therefore his name is not to be profaned, or any way abused by us; especially because he will be so far from acquitting and sparing the transgressors of this commandment, as that he will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment, albeit many such escape the censures and punishments of men.
Q. 111. Which is the third commandment?
A. The third commandment is, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Exod. 20:7
Q. 112. What is required in the third commandment?
Q. 113. What are the sins forbidden in the third commandment?
Q. 114. What reasons are annexed to the third commandment?
A. The reasons annexed to the third commandment, in these words, The Lord thy God, and, For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain, Exod. 20:7
are, because he is the Lord and our God, therefore his name is not to be profaned, or any way abused by us; Lev. 19:12
especially because he will be so far from acquitting and sparing the transgressors of this commandment, as that he will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment; Ezek. 36:21-23; Deut. 28:58-59; Zech. 5:2-4
albeit many such escape the censures and punishments of men. 1 Sam. 2:12, 17, 22, 24; 1 Sam. 3:13
Question 115: Which is the fourth commandment?
Answer: The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Question 116: What is required in the fourth commandment?
Answer: The fourth commandment requires of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set times as he has appointed in his Word, expressly one whole day in seven; which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, and the first day of the week ever since, and so to continue to the end of the world; which is the Christian sabbath, and in the New Testament called the Lord's day.
Question 117: How is the sabbath or the Lord's day to be sanctified?
Answer: The sabbath or Lord's day is to be sanctified by an holy resting all the day, not only from such works as are at all times sinful, but even from such worldly employments and recreations as are on other days lawful; and making it our delight to spend the whole time (except so much of it as is to betaken up in works of necessity and mercy) in the public and private exercises of God's worship: and, to that end, we are to prepare our hearts, and with such foresight, diligence, and moderation, to dispose and seasonably dispatch our worldly business, that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day.
Question 118: Why is the charge
of keeping the sabbath more specially directed to governors of families, and other superiors?
Answer: The charge of keeping the sabbath is more specially directed to governors of families, and other superiors, because they are bound not only to keep it themselves, but to see that it be observed by all those that are under their charge; and because they are prone ofttimes to hinder them by employments of their own.
Question 119: What are the sins forbidden in the fourth commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the fourth commandment are, all omissions of the duties required, all careless, negligent, and unprofitable performing of them, and being weary of them; all profaning the day by idleness, and doing that which is in itself sinful; and by all needless works, words, and thoughts, about our worldly employments and recreations.
Question 120: What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more to enforce it?
Answer: The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more to enforce it, are taken from the equity of it, God allowing us six days of seven for our own affairs, and reserving but one for himself, in these words, Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: from God's challenging a special propriety in that day, The seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: from the example of God, who in six days made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: and from that blessing which God put upon that day, not only in sanctifying it to be a day for his service, but in ordaining it to be a means of blessing to us in our sanctifying
it;Wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Question 121: Why is the word Remember set in the beginning of the fourth commandment?
Answer: The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth commandment, partly, because of the great benefit of remembering it, we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it, and, in keeping it, better to keep all the rest of the commandments, and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of creation and redemption, which contain a short abridgment of religion; and partly, because we are very ready to forget it, for that there is less light of nature for it, and yet it restrains our natural liberty in things at other times lawful; that it comes but once in seven days, and many worldly businesses come between, and too often take off
our minds from thinking of it, either to prepare for it, or to sanctify it;and that Satan with his instruments much labor to blot out the glory, and even the memory of it, to bring in all irreligion and impiety.
Q. 115. Which is the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested in the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath-day and hallowed it. Exod. 20:8-11
Q. 116. What is required in the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment requireth of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his Word, expressly one whole day in seven; which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, and the first day of the week ever since, and so to continue to the end of the world; which is the Christian sabbath, Deut. 5:12-14; Gen. 2:2-3; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Matt. 5:17-18; Isa. 56:2, 4, 6-7
and in the New Testament called The Lord's day. Rev. 1:10
Q. 117. How is the sabbath or the Lord's day to be sanctified?
Q. 118. Why is the charge of keeping the sabbath more specially directed to governors of families, and other superiors?
Q. 119. What are the sins forbidden in the fourth commandment?
Q. 120. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more to enforce it?
A. The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more to enforce it, are taken from the equity of it, God allowing us six days of seven for our own affairs, and reserving but one for himself in these words, Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: Exod. 20:9
from God's challenging a special propriety in that day, The seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: Exod. 20:10
from the example of God, who in six days made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: and from that blessing which God put upon that day, not only in sanctifying it to be a day for his service, but in ordaining it to be a means of blessing to us in our sanctifying it; Wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Exod. 20:11
Q. 121. Why is the Word Remember set in the beginning of the fourth commandment?
A. The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth commandment, Exod. 20:8
partly, because of the great benefit of remembering it, we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it, Exod. 16:23; Luke 23:54, 56; Mark 15:42; Neh. 13:19
and, in keeping it, better to keep all the rest of the commandments, Ps. 92:13-14.; Ezek. 20:12, 19-20
and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of creation and redemption, which contain a short abridgment of religion; Gen. 2:2-3; Ps. 118:22, 24; Acts 4:10-11; Rev. 1:10
and partly, because we are very ready to forget it, Ezek. 22:26
for that there is less light of nature for it, Neh. 9:14
and yet it restraineth our natural liberty in things at other times lawful; Exod. 34:21
that it cometh but once in seven days, and many worldly businesses come between, and too often take off our minds from thinking of it, either to prepare for it, or to sanctify it; Deut. 5:14-15; Amos 8:5
and that Satan with his instruments labours much to blot out the glory, and even the memory of it, to bring in all irreligion and impiety. Lam. 1:7; Jer. 17:21-23; Neh. 13:15-23 [See in number 12, Q. 117.]
Question 123: Which is the fifth commandment?
Answer: The fifth commandment is, Honor thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God gives thee.
Question 124: Who are meant by father and mother in the fifth commandment?
Answer: By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, but all superiors in age and gifts; and especially such as, by God's ordinance, are over us in place of authority, whether in family, church, or commonwealth.
Question 125: Why are superiors styled father and mother?
Answer: Superiors are styled father and mother, both to teach them in all duties toward their inferiors, like natural parents, to express love and tenderness to them, according to their several relations; and to work inferiors to a greater willingness and cheerfulness in performing their duties to their superiors, as to their parents.
Question 126: What is the general scope of the fifth commandment?
Answer: The general scope of the fifth commandment is, the performance of those duties which we mutually owe in our several relations, as inferiors, superiors, or equals.
Question 127: What is the honor that inferiors owe to their superiors.?
Answer: The honor which inferiors owe to their superiors is, all due reverence in heart, word, and behavior; prayer and thanksgiving for them; imitation of their virtues and graces; willing obedience to their lawful commands and counsels; due submission to their corrections; fidelity to, defense and maintenance of their persons and authority, according to their several ranks, and the nature of their places; bearing with their infirmities, and covering them in love, that so they may be an honor to them and to their government.
Question 128: What are the sins of inferiors against their superiors?
Answer: The sins of inferiors against their superiors are, all neglect of the duties required toward them; envying at, contempt of, and rebellion against, their persons and places, in their lawful counsels, commands, and corrections; cursing, mocking, and all such refractory and scandalous carriage, as proves a shame and dishonor to them and their government.
Question 129: What is required of superiors towards their inferiors?
Answer: It is required of superiors, according to that power they receive from God, and that relation wherein they stand, to love, pray for, and bless their inferiors; to instruct, counsel, and admonish them; countenancing, commending, and rewarding such as do well; and discountenancing, reproving, and chastising such as do ill; protecting, and providing for them all things necessary for soul and body: and by grave, wise, holy, and exemplary carriage, to procure glory to God, honor to themselves, and so to preserve that authority which God has put upon them.
Question 130: What are the sins of superiors?
Answer: The sins of superiors are, besides the neglect of the duties required of them, an inordinate seeking of themselves, their own glory, ease, profit, or pleasure; commanding things unlawful, or not in the power of inferiors to perform; counseling, encouraging, or favoring them in that which is evil; dissuading, discouraging, or discountenancing them in that which is good; correcting them unduly; careless exposing, or leaving them to wrong, temptation, and danger; provoking them to wrath; or any way dishonoring themselves, or lessening their authority, by an unjust, indiscreet, rigorous, or remiss behavior.
Question 131: What are the duties of
equals?
Answer: The duties of equals are, to regard the dignity and worth of each other, in giving honor to go one before another; and to rejoice in each other's gifts and advancement, as their own.
Question 132: What are the sins of equals?
Answer: The sins of equals are, besides the neglect of the duties required, the undervaluing of the worth, envying the gifts, grieving at the advancement of prosperity one of another; and usurping preeminence one over another.
Question 133: What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment, the more to enforce it?
Answer: The reason annexed to the fifth commandment, in these words, That thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God gives thee, is an express promise of long life and prosperity, as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good, to all such as keep this commandment.
Q. 123. Which is the fifth commandment?
A. The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Exod. 20:12
Q. 124. Who are meant by father and mother in the fifth commandment?
A. By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, Prov. 23:22, 25; Eph. 6:1-2
By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, but all superiors in age 1 Tim. 5:1-2
By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, but all superiors in gifts; Gen. 4:20-22; Gen. 45:8
By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, but especially such as, by God's ordinance, are over us in place of authority, whether in family, 2 Kings 5:13
By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, but especially such as, by God's ordinance, are over us in place of authority, in church, 2 Kings 2:12; 2 Kings 13:14; Gal. 4:19
By father and mother, in the fifth commandment, are meant, not only natural parents, but especially such as, by God's ordinance, are over us in place of authority, in commonwealth. Isa. 49:23
Q. 125. Why are superiors styled father and mother?
A. Superiors are styled father and mother, both to teach them in all duties toward their inferiors, like natural parents,
Q. 126. What is the general scope of the fifth commandment?
A. The general scope of the fifth commandment is, the performance of those duties which we mutually owe in our several relations, as inferiors, superiors, or equals. Eph. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:17; Rom. 12:10
Q. 127. What is the honour that inferiors owe to their superiors?
A. The honour which inferiors owe to their superiors is,
Q. 128. What are the sins of inferiors against their superiors?
Q. 129. What is required of superiors towards their inferiors?
Q. 130. What are the sins of superiors?
The honor we owe to those who are our superiors, and the care we owe to those who are our inferiors, are to be learned and expressed toward those who are neither inferior nor superior, but are just like us.
Q. 131. What are the duties of equals?
Q. 132. What are the sins of equals?
Q. 133. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment, the more to enforce it?
A. The reason annexed to the fifth commandment, in these words, That thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, Exod. 20:12 is an express promise of long life and prosperity, as far as it shall serve for God's glory and their own good, to all such as keep this commandment. Deut. 5:16; 1 Kings 8:25; Eph. 6:2-3
Question 134: Which is the sixth commandment?
Answer: The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.
Question 135: What are the duties required in the sixth commandment?
Answer: The duties required in the sixth commandment are, all careful studies, and lawful endeavors, to preserve the life of ourselves and others by resisting all thoughts and purposes, subduing all passions, and avoiding all occasions, temptations, and practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any; by just defense thereof against violence, patient bearing of the hand of God, quietness of mind, cheerfulness of spirit; a sober use of meat, drink, physic, sleep, labor, and recreations; by charitable thoughts, love, compassion, meekness, gentleness, kindness; peaceable, mild and courteous speeches and behavior; forbearance, readiness to be
reconciled, patient bearing and forgiving of injuries, and requiting good for evil; comforting and succoring the distressed, and protecting and defending the innocent.
Question 136: What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are, all taking away the life of ourselves, or of others, except in case of public justice, lawful war, or necessary defense; the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life; sinful anger, hatred, envy, desire of revenge;all excessive passions, distracting cares; immoderate use of meat, drink, labor, and recreations; provoking words, oppression, quarreling, striking, wounding, and: Whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any.
Q. 134. Which is the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill. Exod. 20:13
Q. 135. What are the duties required in the sixth commandment?
Q. 136. What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment?
Question 137: Which is the seventh commandment?
Answer: The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Question 138: What are the duties required in the seventh commandment?
Answer: The duties required in the seventh commandment are, chastity in body, mind, affections, words, and behavior; and the preservation of it in ourselves and others; watchfulness over the eyes and all the senses; temperance, keeping of chaste company, modesty in apparel; marriage by those that have not the gift of continency, conjugal love, and cohabitation; diligent labor in our callings; shunning all occasions of uncleanness, and resisting temptations thereunto.
Question 139: What are the sins forbidden in the seventh commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the seventh commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required, are, adultery, fornication, rape, incest, sodomy, and all unnatural lusts; all unclean imaginations, thoughts, purposes, and affections;all corrupt or filthy communications, or listening thereunto; wanton looks, impudent or light behavior, immodest apparel; prohibiting of lawful, and dispensing with unlawful marriages; allowing, tolerating, keeping of stews, and resorting to them; entangling vows of single life, undue delay of marriage; having more wives or husbands than one at the same time; unjust divorce, or desertion; idleness, gluttony, drunkenness, unchaste
company; lascivious songs, books, pictures, dancings, stage plays; and all other provocations to, or acts of uncleanness, either in ourselves or others.
Q. 137. Which is the seventh commandment?
A. The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Exodus 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Q. 138. What are the duties required in the seventh commandment?
Q. 139. What are the sins forbidden in the seventh commandment?
Question 140: Which is the eighth commandment?
Answer: The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.
Question 141: What are the duties required in the eighth commandment?
Answer: The duties required in the eighth commandment are, truth, faithfulness, and justice in contracts and commerce between man and man; rendering to everyone his due; restitution of goods unlawfully detained from the right owners thereof; giving and lending freely, according to our abilities, and the necessities of others; moderation of our judgments, wills, and affections concerning worldly goods; a provident care and study to get, keep, use, and dispose these things which are necessary and convenient for the sustentation of our nature, and suitable to our condition; a lawful calling, and diligence in it; frugality; avoiding unnecessary lawsuits and
suretyship, or other like engagements; and an endeavor, by all just and lawful means, to procure, preserve, and further the wealth and outward estate of others, as well as our own.
Question 142: What are the sins forbidden in the eighth commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the eighth commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required, are, theft, robbery, man_stealing, and receiving anything that is stolen; fraudulent dealing, false weights and measures, removing land marks, injustice and unfaithfulness in contracts between man and man, or in matters of trust; oppression, extortion, usury, bribery, vexatious lawsuits, unjust enclosures and depopulations; engrossing commodities to enhance the price; unlawful callings, and all other unjust or sinful ways of taking or withholding from our neighbor: What belongs to him, or of enriching ourselves; covetousness; inordinate prizing and affecting worldly
goods; distrustful and distracting cares and studies in getting, keeping, and using them; envying at the prosperity of others; as likewise idleness, prodigality, wasteful gaming; and all other ways whereby we do unduly prejudice our own outward estate, and defrauding ourselves of the due use and comfort of that estate which God has given us.
Q. 140. Which is the eighth commandment?
A. The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal. Exod. 20:15
Q. 141. What are the duties required in the eighth commandment?
Q. 142. What are the sins forbidden in the eighth commandment?
Question 143: Which is the ninth commandment?
Answer: The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Question 144: What are the duties required in the ninth commandment?
Answer: The duties required in the ninth commandment are, the preserving and promoting of truth between man and man, and the good name of our neighbor, as well as our own; appearing and standing for the truth; and from the heart, sincerely, freely, clearly, and fully, speaking the truth, and only the truth, in matters of judgment and justice, and in all other things: Whatsoever; a charitable esteem of our neighbors; loving, desiring, and rejoicing in their good name; sorrowing for, and covering of their infirmities; freely acknowledging of their gifts and graces, defending their innocency; a ready receiving of a good report, and unwillingness to admit of an evil
report, concerning them; discouraging talebearers, flatterers, and slanderers; love and care of our own good name, and defending it when need requires; keeping of lawful promises; studying and practicing of: Whatsoever things are true, honest, lovely, and of good report.
Question 145: What are the sins forbidden in the ninth commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the ninth commandment are, all prejudicing the truth, and the good name of our neighbors, as well as our own, especially in public judicature; giving false evidence, suborning false witnesses, wittingly appearing and pleading for an evil cause, outfacing and overbearing the truth; passing unjust sentence, calling evil good, and good evil; rewarding the wicked according to the work of the righteous, and the righteous according to the work of the wicked; forgery, concealing the truth, undue silence in a just cause, and holding our peace when iniquity calls for either a reproof from ourselves, or complaint to others; speaking the truth
unseasonably, or maliciously to a wrong end, or perverting it to a wrong meaning, or in doubtful and equivocal expressions, to the prejudice of truth or justice;speaking untruth, lying, slandering, backbiting, detracting, tale bearing, whispering, scoffing, reviling, rash, harsh, and partial censuring; misconstructing intentions, words, and actions; flattering, vainglorious boasting, thinking or speaking too highly or too meanly of ourselves or others; denying the gifts and graces of God; aggravating smaller faults;hiding, excusing, or extenuating of sins, when called to a free confession;unnecessary discovering of infirmities; raising false rumors, receiving and
countenancing evil reports, and stopping our ears against just defense; evil suspicion; envying or grieving at the deserved credit of any, endeavoring or desiring to impair it, rejoicing in their disgrace and infamy; scornful contempt, fond admiration; breach of lawful promises; neglecting such things as are of good report, and practicing, or not avoiding ourselves, or not hindering: What we can in others, such things as procure an ill name.
Q. 143. Which is the ninth commandment?
A. The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. Exod. 20:16
Q. 144. What are the duties required in the ninth commandment?
Q. 145. What are the sins forbidden in the ninth commandment?
Question 146: Which is the tenth commandment?
Answer: The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's.
Question 147: What are the duties required in the tenth commandment?
Answer: The duties required in the tenth commandment are, such a full contentment with our own condition, and such a charitable frame of the whole soul toward our neighbor, as that all our inward motions and affections touching him, tend unto, and further all that good which is his.
Question 148: What are the sins forbidden in the tenth commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the tenth commandment are, discontentment with our own estate; envying and grieving at the good of our neighbor, together with all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his.
Question 149: Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God?
Answer: No man is able, either of himself, or by any grace received in this life, perfectly to keep the commandments of God; but does daily break them in thought, word, and deed.
Q. 146. Which is the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shall not covet they neighbour's wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's. Exod 20:17
Q. 147. What are the duties required in the tenth commandment?
Q. 148. What are the sins forbidden in the tenth commandment?